Endometritis (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

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

• 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)

• 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).

• 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.

• 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)

• 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.

Directions to Hospitals Treating Endometritis

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

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