BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuEndometritisEndometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). It is not the same as endometriosis.EndometriosisEndometriosis occurs when cells from the lining of your womb (uterus) grow in other areas of your body. This can cause pain, heavy vaginal bleeding,...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes 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) D and CD and C (dilation and curettage) is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus. Dilation (D) is a widening of ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Endometrial biopsy Hysteroscopy Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) Childbirth (more common after C-section than vaginal birth)C-sectionA C-section is the delivery of a baby by making an opening in the mother's lower belly area. It is also called a cesarean delivery.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Endometritis can occur at the same time as other pelvic infections. Symptoms Symptoms may include:Swelling of the abdomen Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge Abnormal vaginal bleedingThis article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleedin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Discomfort with bowel movement (including constipation) Fever General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling Pain in lower abdomen or pelvic region (uterine pain) Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam with a pelvic exam. Your uterus and cervix may be tender and your provider may not hear bowel sounds. You may have cervical discharge.CervixThe cervix is the lower end of the womb (uterus). It is at the top of the vagina. It is about 2. 5 to 3. 5 centimeters (1 to 1. 3 inches) long. Th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bowel soundsAbdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The following tests may be performed:Cultures from the cervix for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms ChlamydiaChlamydia is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most often spread through sexual contact.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GonorrheaGonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Endometrial biopsy Endometrial biopsyEndometrial biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) Erythrocyte sedimentation rateESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain protei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article WBC (white blood count) White blood countA WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It is a part of a complete blood count (CBC). WBCs are a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wet prep (microscopic exam of any discharge) Wet prepThe vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment 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 recommended 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). Outlook (Prognosis) 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. Possible Complications Complications may include:Infertility InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pelvic peritonitis (generalized pelvic infection) PeritonitisPeritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pelvic or uterine abscess formation AbscessAn abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Septicemia SepticemiaSepticemia is bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) that often occurs with severe infections. Also called sepsis, septicemia is a serious, life-threate...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Septic shockSeptic shockSeptic shock is a serious condition that occurs when a body-wide infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure.Read Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of endometritis.Call right away if symptoms occur after: Childbirth Miscarriage Abortion IUD placement Surgery involving the uterus Prevention 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.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm. Updated June 13, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023.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.AllVideoImagesTogEndometritis - illustration Endometritis is the inflammation and/or irritation of the endometrium. It is usually caused by an infection.EndometritisillustrationEndometritis - illustration Endometritis is the inflammation and/or irritation of the endometrium. It is usually caused by an infection.EndometritisillustrationRelated Information Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)(Condition)Abortion - procedure(Surgery)Intrauterine(Special Topic)Acute(Special Topic)Cervicitis(Condition)Peritonitis(Condition)Abscess(Condition)Septicemia(Condition)Septic shock(Condition)Infertility(Condition)Infertility in women - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 7/12/2023 Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 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EndometritisEndometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). It is not the same as endometriosis.EndometriosisEndometriosis occurs when cells from the lining of your womb (uterus) grow in other areas of your body. This can cause pain, heavy vaginal bleeding,...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes 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) D and CD and C (dilation and curettage) is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus. Dilation (D) is a widening of ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Endometrial biopsy Hysteroscopy Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) Childbirth (more common after C-section than vaginal birth)C-sectionA C-section is the delivery of a baby by making an opening in the mother's lower belly area. It is also called a cesarean delivery.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Endometritis can occur at the same time as other pelvic infections. Symptoms Symptoms may include:Swelling of the abdomen Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge Abnormal vaginal bleedingThis article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleedin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article DischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Discomfort with bowel movement (including constipation) Fever General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling Pain in lower abdomen or pelvic region (uterine pain) Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam with a pelvic exam. Your uterus and cervix may be tender and your provider may not hear bowel sounds. You may have cervical discharge.CervixThe cervix is the lower end of the womb (uterus). It is at the top of the vagina. It is about 2. 5 to 3. 5 centimeters (1 to 1. 3 inches) long. Th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bowel soundsAbdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The following tests may be performed:Cultures from the cervix for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms ChlamydiaChlamydia is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most often spread through sexual contact.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article GonorrheaGonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Endometrial biopsy Endometrial biopsyEndometrial biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) Erythrocyte sedimentation rateESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain protei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article WBC (white blood count) White blood countA WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It is a part of a complete blood count (CBC). WBCs are a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wet prep (microscopic exam of any discharge) Wet prepThe vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment 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 recommended 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). Outlook (Prognosis) 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. Possible Complications Complications may include:Infertility InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pelvic peritonitis (generalized pelvic infection) PeritonitisPeritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pelvic or uterine abscess formation AbscessAn abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Septicemia SepticemiaSepticemia is bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) that often occurs with severe infections. Also called sepsis, septicemia is a serious, life-threate...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Septic shockSeptic shockSeptic shock is a serious condition that occurs when a body-wide infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure.Read Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of endometritis.Call right away if symptoms occur after: Childbirth Miscarriage Abortion IUD placement Surgery involving the uterus Prevention 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.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm. Updated June 13, 2023. Accessed September 27, 2023.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.