Endometritis (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Endometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).

What are the symptoms of Endometritis?

 * Abdominal distention or swelling
 * Abnormal vaginal bleeding
 * Abnormal vaginal discharge
 * Discomfort with bowel movement (constipation may occur)
 * Fever (100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
 * General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
 * Lower abdominal or pelvic pain (uterine pain)

What causes Endometritis?

 * Endometritis is caused by infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, or mixtures of normal vaginal bacteria.


 * Endometritis is more likely to occur after miscarriage or childbirth, especially after a long labor or c-section.


 * A medical procedure that involves entering the uterus through the cervix will increase the risk of developing endometritis. This includes a D and C, hysteroscopy, and placement of an intrauterine device (IUD).


 * Endometritis can occur at the same time as other pelvic infections such as acute salpingitis, acute cervicitis, and many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

When to seek urgent medical care?

 * Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of endometritis.


 * Call immediately if you have symptoms and have recently had a baby, miscarriage, abortion, IUD placement, or any surgery involving the uterus.

Diagnosis

 * The health care provider will perform a physical exam and a pelvic exam. The lower abdomen may be tender. Bowel sounds may be decreased. A pelvic exam may show the uterus and cervix is tender. There may be cervical discharge.


 * The following tests may be performed:
 * Cultures from the cervix for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms
 * Endometrial biopsy
 * ESR (sedimentation rate)
 * Laparoscopy
 * WBC (white blood count)
 * Wet prep (microscopic exam of any discharge)

Treatment options

 * Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent complications of endometritis. If you've been prescribed antibiotics following a gynecological procedure, it is very important to finish all the medication and follow up with your health care provider.


 * You may need to be admitted to a hospital if you have a complicated case of endometritis, such as those that involve serious symptoms, or which occur after childbirth.


 * Other treatments may involve:
 * Fluids through a vein (by IV)
 * Rest
 * Sexual partners may also need to be treated if the condition is caused by a sexually transmitted disease.

Where to find medical care for Endometritis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Endometritis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

 * Most cases of endometritis go away with antibiotics.


 * Untreated endometritis can lead to more serious infection and complications with pelvic organs, reproduction, and general health.

Possible complications

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

Prevention

 * Endometritis caused by sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by:
 * Early diagnosis and complete treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in yourself and all sexual partners
 * Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms


 * The risk of endometritis is reduced by the careful, sterile techniques used by appropriate providers when delivering a baby or perfoming an abortion, IUD placement, or other gynecological procedures.

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001484.htm