Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterus lining caused by bacterial infection, often from childbirth or medical procedures. Symptoms include fever, abnormal bleeding or discharge, and pelvic pain. Untreated endometritis can lead to complications such as infertility and septicemia. Antibiotics are effective in treating and preventing complications.
Endometritis is a medical condition, unique to women, in which the mucous lining of the uterus, or endometrium, has become inflamed. In endometritis, the inflammation is usually the result of some form of bacterial infection that has spread from the vagina to the uterus. The infection could enter the uterus in several ways. Most commonly, the infection occurs as a result of childbirth or other medical procedures involving entry into the uterus or is caused by the presence of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). When linked to an STD, this type of infection is usually called pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a more general diagnosis.
For pregnant women, endometritis is more likely to be caused by childbirth, suffering or miscarriage. This type of infection is more likely to occur after a particularly long labor or cesarean section. Endometritis develops in about 2% of women who have vaginal deliveries, but in about 20% who have a C-section. In fact, the most common cause of postpartum fever is endometritis.
Medical procedures that require access to the uterus through the cervix also increase the chance of getting this infection. The most common medical procedures that could cause an infection of this type are dilation and curettage (D&C), implantation of an intrauterine device (IUD), or hysteroscopy. Although combinations of normal vaginal bacteria can cause this type of infection, STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are common ways of getting this type of infection.
In general, although this infection may lack obvious symptoms, common symptoms often include fever, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, and pain or swelling in the lower abdomen or pelvic region. Endometritis can be chronic or acute, with more intense symptoms being felt if the infection is more severe. Usually, the chronic form of this infection is associated with having an STD or having had a medical procedure. The more severe form is more often related to childbirth.
Women who may be concerned that they have developed endometritis should see a doctor. Untreated endometritis can eventually result in a more serious infection and lead to complications such as infertility and septicemia. A doctor will usually perform a pelvic exam and possibly order further tests, such as an endometrial biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics are very successful in treating and preventing the complications of this infection.
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