Endometritis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Endometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). It is not the same as endometriosis.

Endometritis is caused by an infection in the uterus. It can be due to chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, or a mix of normal vaginal bacteria. It is more likely to occur after miscarriage or childbirth. It is also more common after a long labor or C-section.

The risk for endometritis is higher after having a pelvic procedure that is done through the cervix. Such procedures include:

• D and C (dilation and curettage)
• Endometrial biopsy
• Hysteroscopy
• Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Childbirth (more common after C-section than vaginal birth)

Endometritis can occur at the same time as other pelvic infections.

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling of the abdomen
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Discomfort with bowel movement (including constipation)
• Fever
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
• Pain in lower abdomen or pelvic region (uterine pain)

The health care provider will perform a physical exam with a pelvic exam. Your uterus and cervix may be tender and the provider may not hear bowel sounds. You may have cervical discharge.

The following tests may be performed:

• Cultures from the cervix for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms
• Endometrial biopsy
• ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
• Laparoscopy
• WBC (white blood count)
• Wet prep (microscopic exam of any discharge)

You will need to take antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent complications. Finish all your medicine if you have been given antibiotics after a pelvic procedure. Also, go to all follow-up visits with your provider.

You may need to be treated in the hospital if your symptoms are severe or occur after childbirth.

Other treatments may involve:

• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Rest

Sexual partners may need to be treated if the condition is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

In most cases, the condition goes away with antibiotics. Untreated endometritis can lead to more serious infections and complications. Rarely, it may be associated with a diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

Complications may include:

• Infertility
• Pelvic peritonitis (generalized pelvic infection)
• Pelvic or uterine abscess formation
• Septicemia
• Septic shock

Call your provider if you have symptoms of endometritis.

Call right away if symptoms occur after:

• Childbirth
• Miscarriage
• Abortion
• IUD placement
• Surgery involving the uterus

Endometritis may be caused by STIs. To help prevent endometritis from STIs:

• Treat STIs early.
• Make sure sexual partners are treated in the case of a STI.
• Follow safer sex practices, such as using condoms.

Women having a C-section may have antibiotics before the procedure to prevent infections.

• Pelvic laparoscopy
• Endometritis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm. Updated July 22, 2021. Accessed August 31, 2021.

Duff WP. Maternal and perinatal infection in pregnancy: bacterial. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe’s Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 58.

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

Updated by: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Endometritis: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Endometritis is inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus. It can lead to abdominal pain and bleeding, but there may be no symptoms. It is different from endometriosis, where endomentrial-type tissue grows outside the uterus.

Endometritis is different from endometriosis, though both conditions affect the lining of the uterus, also called the endometrium. Another related condition is endomyometritis, where inflammation happens in the middle layer of the uterus, called the myometrium.

This article provides an overview of endometritis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and possible complications. We also look at the relationship between endometritis and fertility.

Endometritis does not always cause symptoms, and some people may be unaware they have it. If symptoms do occur, they can include:

• pelvic or abdominal pain
• vaginal bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge
• fever or chills
• feeling unwell or extremely fatigued
• constipation or pain when going to the bathroom

Endometritis is also associated with infertility and pregnancy loss.

Anyone who experiences one or more of these symptoms should contact their doctor to find out the cause.

Endometritis occurs as a result of an infection in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. Such infections may develop due to abnormal bacteria, or bacteria usually found in the vagina.

The cervix is the opening to the uterus, and it usually keeps bacteria out of the uterus. However, bacteria can get in when the cervix is open. This may happen for various reasons, such as during childbirth or surgery.

Possible risk factors for endometritis include:

• Childbirth or pregnancy loss: These are the most common causes of inflammation of the endometrium.
• Cesarean delivery: Endometritis is more common after a cesarean section than a vaginal delivery and after an unscheduled versus a scheduled cesarean.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other bacteria: People can pass on STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, during sexual activity. An STI can cause an infection in the endometrium, so it is important to practice safe sex.
• Bacteria in the uterus: Bacteria normally present in the vagina and cervix can cause endometritis if they enter the uterus.
• Pelvic procedures: Some procedures can let bacteria into the uterus, especially those that involve accessing internal organs and tissues via the cervix or uterus. Examples include:
  • dilation and curettage, which involves removing tissue from the inside of the uterus
  • endometrial biopsy, which involves taking a tissue sample of the endometrium
  • hysteroscopy, which is when a doctor inserts a small telescope into the uterus to look for abnormalities
  • intrauterine device insertion
  • cesarean section
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection in the pelvis that is often associated with endometritis. Without swift medical treatment, PID can become serious.

Endometritis is different from endometriosis, though both conditions affect the lining of the uterus.

Endometritis is when the lining of the uterus becomes inflamed due to an infection. Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. An infection does not cause endometriosis.

The symptoms of endometriosis vary from one person to another but typically include:

• pain in the lower abdomen or back, which usually worsens during a period
• experiencing one or more of the following symptoms during a period:
  • severe period pain
  • pain when urinating or when having a bowel movement
  • blood in the urine
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
• pain during or after sex
• difficulty getting pregnant

There is currently no cure for endometriosis, though treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects how a person’s ovaries function. The condition relates to hormonal imbalances in the body. Unlike endometritis, PCOS does not occur due to infection.

Experts do not know the exact cause of PCOS. However, the condition likely has a genetic link since it often runs in families.

In order to receive a diagnosis of PCOS, a person must experience two or more of the following:

• Irregular periods: This indicates that the ovaries are not regularly releasing eggs.
• Excess androgens: Androgens are male sex hormones. Both males and females have androgens, but some people with PCOS have higher levels than usual. Excess androgens can lead to physical changes, such as excessive facial or body hair.
• Polycystic ovaries: The ovaries can become enlarged, and ultrasound shows the presence of multiple small follicles or fluid-filled cysts in the ovaries.

PCOS is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mirror those of other conditions, such as:

• cardiovascular disease
• acne
• depression
• sleep apnea
• type 2 diabetes

There is currently no cure for PCOS, though treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms.

Endometritis can affect a person’s ability to get pregnant or stay pregnant. Inflammation of the uterus can cause scarring, which prevents an embryo from implanting and developing normally within the uterine wall.

A 2016 review reports that chronic endometritis can affect fertility by stopping the fertilized egg from implanting into the uterus lining and increasing the likelihood of repeated pregnancy loss.

However, the same study reports that antibiotic treatment can lead to a significant improvement in fertility and successful pregnancies.

A study from 2018 worked with 95 females who had fertility issues. They found that over half of the participants had chronic endometritis and that antibiotic therapy improved their symptoms by more than 80%. With successful treatment, they had increased pregnancy and childbirth rates.

Fertility specialists sometimes suggest that people receive testing or treatment for endometritis, especially in cases of repeated pregnancy loss or multiple unsuccessful in vitro fertilization cycles involving embryos of good quality.

When diagnosing endometritis, a doctor will start by taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. The latter will likely involve a pelvic exam to evaluate the internal reproductive organs. The doctor will look for tenderness in the uterus and possible discharge from the cervix.

A doctor may carry out the following tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms:

• Blood testing: A complete blood count can help identify signs of infection or inflammation.
• Cervical cultures: The doctor may take a swab from the cervix to look for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other bacteria.
• Wet mount: The doctor may collect discharge from the cervix and analyze it under a microscope. This can help to identify other causes of infection or inflammation.
• Endometrial biopsy: This procedure involves dilating the cervix to allow a small instrument or pipelle into the uterus. The instrument takes a small sample of tissue, and a doctor sends the sample off to the lab for analysis. It is a brief procedure that can take place in a doctor’s office.
• Laparoscopy or hysteroscopy: These procedures involve the use of a scope, which is a tiny camera attached to a thin, flexible tube. This allows a doctor to look directly inside the uterus.

A person should contact a doctor anytime they experience pelvic pain or discomfort or unusual discharge or bleeding. Some pelvic infections can cause serious complications, so it is important to start treatment quickly.

People who are at risk of developing endometritis should receive information from their doctor or nurse about the signs and symptoms to look out for. This includes people who have recently given birth and those who have recently undergone a pelvic examination or procedure.

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent endometritis in situations where a person is at risk of developing the condition, such as when undergoing a scheduled pelvic procedure or surgery. A doctor may prescribe the antibiotics prior to or immediately following the procedure.

Because STIs can also cause endometritis, it is crucial that people maintain their sexual health, especially with nonmonogamous partners. Behaviors that can help include attending regular screenings for STIs and consistently using barrier contraception, such as condoms.

Without treatment, endometritis may cause the following complications:

• infertility
• pelvic peritonitis, which is a general pelvic infection
• abscess in the pelvis or uterus
• septicemia, which is bacteria in the bloodstream
• septic shock, which is severe and potentially life threatening low blood pressure due to septicemia

The outlook for a person with endometritis is very good, especially if they receive antibiotic treatment.

Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Inflammation of the uterus – causes and methods of treatment of diseases

Structure of the uterus

The uterus consists of three layers – the mucous membrane, the muscular layer and the peritoneum. The inflammatory process can occur both in one of these layers, and simultaneously in all three. Inflammation of the uterus often affects neighboring organs – fallopian tubes, ovaries.

Causes

Inflammation of the uterus can be caused by abortion, complicated childbirth, chronic inflammation of the vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, chronic venereal diseases.

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Endometritis

Endometritis is an inflammation of the lining of the uterus. Most often, this type of inflammation of the uterus occurs in women with complicated abortions and childbirth, if asepsis and antiseptics were used incorrectly during the intervention. This type of infection has recently occurred extremely rarely, which is associated with the legalization of abortion and the competent use of antiseptics.

Since the mucous cavity of the uterus is directly adjacent to the muscle layer, the inflammatory process from the endometrium very quickly passes to the muscles of the uterus. In such cases, metro-endometritis occurs.

Endometritis leads to discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, lower back and sacrum, menstrual disorders, infertility and miscarriage. In advanced cases, this type of inflammation of the uterus can provoke oncological processes, so even if the presence of the disease does not cause any discomfort, it still requires mandatory treatment.

The inflammatory process from the mucous membrane of the uterus and the muscular layer can spread along the surface of the mucous membrane into the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) or through the lymphatic and vascular pathways into the periuterine tissue, the peritoneum of the uterus, and the venous plexuses of the small pelvis. In the latter case, microorganisms can penetrate into the general bloodstream and cause serious damage to a woman’s health.

Salpingitis, adnexitis, salpingo-oophoritis

Salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes) most often occurs when the infection enters the tubes from the uterine cavity. Less commonly, tubes can become infected in other ways. For example, through the blood, with influenza, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, dental caries, etc. Also, inflammation of the appendages can be caused by diseases of organs adjacent to the appendages of the uterus – the appendix, intestines, and bladder.

The inflammatory process in the pipes leads to deformation of the pipes and disruption of their patency. The inflammatory process in the tubes is often combined with inflammation of the ovaries. In these cases, they speak of inflammation of the uterine appendages (adnexitis).

It is the obstruction of the fallopian tubes, to which inflammatory and infectious diseases have led, that most often causes female infertility.

After suffering an inflammatory process of the uterine appendages, serious functional disorders of the female genital area (uterine bleeding, infertility, etc.) are often observed. Long-term chronic inflammation of the uterine appendages is also unfavorable in oncological terms. We are talking about the possibility of malignancy as a result of prolonged irritation.

Most often, the process affects both the ovaries and appendages, in which case the disease is called salpingo-oophoritis.

Inflammation of the uterus (endometritis) – Obstetrics and gynecology – Departments of

Endometritis – inflammation mucous membrane uterus . Acute inflammation of the uterus can be caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection.

Endometritis according to etiology, tuberculous, gonorrheal, actinomycotic, and also nonspecific are distinguished. The causative agents of endometritis usually enter the uterus from the vagina through the cervical canal, or the infection spreads through the bloodstream. Infection and the development of inflammation of the uterus is possible in case of non-compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis during intrauterine manipulations, therefore, most often endometritis develops after childbirth and abortion. Inflammation can spread to the muscular membrane of the uterus – myometritis (endomyometritis) develops.

Symptoms of endometritis usually develop 3-4 days after infection. Inflammation of the uterus can occur in acute or chronic form.

In case of acute inflammation of the uterus, the following are observed:

• general symptoms of acute endometritis : weakness, fever, blood test leukocytosis with neutrophilic shift to the left and increased ESR;
• local symptoms of acute endometritis: pain lower abdomen , liquid purulent discharge (sometimes sanious), enlarged and painful on palpation of the uterus of dense consistency.

Acute stage endometritis lasts up to 10 days and with adequate treatment complete recovery occurs. With improper or inadequate treatment, endometritis can become chronic.

Chronic endometritis is accompanied by pathological changes in the endometrium – its atrophy, hypertrophy or the formation of small cysts. The most pronounced a sign of chronic endometritis is a violation of the menstrual cycle with the development of bleeding. Chronic endometritis does not prevent conception, however, the implantation of the ovum into the altered endometrium is extremely difficult. Therefore, with chronic endometritis, there may be infertility and habitual miscarriage pregnancy . Also symptoms of chronic endometritis are serous-purulent discharge aching pain below belly . A bimanual gynecological examination shows a slight induration and enlargement of the uterus.

Diagnosis of chronic endometritis is based on history, symptoms, and histological examination of an endometrial scraping.

Women suffering from chronic endometritis who do not have pronounced symptoms often do not seek help from a gynecologist in a timely manner and develop complications of endometritis. Even after a single episode inflammation in the cavity of the uterus its traces remain – intrauterine adhesions. In this case, the endometrium loses its ability to function properly, which leads to termination of pregnancy at a short time or to infertility. Against the background of chronic endometritis, endometrial polyps can form.

Treatment of endometritis

In the acute stage of endometritis etiotropic treatment is necessary — antibacterial agents, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen to them inflammation of the uterus or broad-spectrum antibiotics.