Endometritis
Endometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). It is not the same as endometriosis.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when cells from the lining of your womb (uterus) grow in other areas of your body. This can cause pain, heavy vaginal bleeding,...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
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 C
D 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 ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Endometrial biopsy
- Hysteroscopy
- Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Childbirth (more common after C-section than vaginal birth)
C-section
A 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.
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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 bleeding
This article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleedin...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleDischarge
Vaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...
Read 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.
Cervix
The 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleBowel sounds
Abdominal sounds are the noises made by the intestines.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe following tests may be performed:
- Cultures from the cervix for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other organisms
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most often spread through sexual contact.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleGonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Endometrial biopsy
Endometrial biopsy
Endometrial biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for examination.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is commonly called a "sed rate. "It is a test that indirectly measures the level of certain protei...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - WBC (white blood count)
White blood count
A 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Wet prep (microscopic exam of any discharge)
Wet prep
The vaginitis wet mount test is a test to detect an infection of the vagina.
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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
Infertility
Infertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Pelvic peritonitis (generalized pelvic infection)
Peritonitis
Peritonitis 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Pelvic or uterine abscess formation
Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Septicemia
Septicemia
Septicemia 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 shock
Septic shock
Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs when a body-wide infection leads to dangerously low blood pressure.
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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.
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.
Centers 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.