Endometritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
What is Endometritis?
The most accurate endometritis definition is the presence of an endometrial infection. This infection is usually caused by bacteria entering the uterine cavity (the inside space of the uterus). This condition can occur in two forms. Acute endometritis develops quickly as the infection starts. Chronic endometritis lasts longer and tends to cause milder symptoms. Quick identification and treatment are very important to prevent serious complications.
What are the Symptoms of Endometritis?
Common endometritis symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain and abdominal pain are common symptoms.
- Many people experience a fever, among other symptoms of endometritis.
- A foul-smelling vaginal discharge is another frequent sign.
- Irregular menstrual bleeding can occur.
- There may be discomfort during intercourse.
- Some individuals also report fatigue and nausea.
- Constipation or pain during bowel movements may be present.
What are the Causes of Endometritis?
Major endometritis causes include:
- The condition can be caused by postpartum infections. That means infections that occur after childbirth.
- Complications after miscarriages or abortions are potential causes of endometritis.
- The insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) can lead to endometritis.
- Pelvic surgeries are a known risk factor.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea) can also cause the infection.
- In some cases, it results from the spread of an infection from nearby reproductive organs.
What are the Common Risk Factors for Endometritis?
Some of the risk factors of endometritis include:
- Having multiple sexual partners can make it easier for bacteria to enter the uterus.
- If you have had pelvic inflammatory disease before, you are more likely to get it again.
- Unprotected sex can spread sexually transmitted infections that may cause endometritis.
- Some gynaecological procedures can bring bacteria into the uterus. For example, dilation and curettage or hysteroscopy.
- A weak immune system makes it harder for the body to fight infections.
- Poor menstrual hygiene can allow harmful bacteria to grow.
- Infections in the reproductive organs in the past can cause problems again.
How is Endometritis Diagnosed?
Doctors may use several steps to confirm endometritis. A few of them are listed below:
- A pelvic exam is done to check for any swelling or tenderness. It also detects the presence of unusual discharge.
- Blood tests help find signs of infection or inflammation.
- An ultrasound can show changes or issues in the lining of the uterus.
- An endometrial biopsy is used to test a small sample of tissue for signs of infection.
- Laparoscopy may be done if the diagnosis is unclear. In this procedure, doctors assess the inside of the abdomen with a small camera. It is inserted through a small cut near the navel (belly button).
Chronic cases are often discovered during infertility checkups. Doctors may notice it when a woman faces repeated IVF treatment failures. Research also shows that chronic endometritis is more common in women with unexplained pregnancy loss. A 2015 study listed on PubMed found that hysteroscopy with biopsy is helpful in diagnosing it.
Conclusion
Untreated endometritis can lead to infertility, chronic pain, or severe pelvic infections. Doctors usually treat endometritis with antibiotics to clear the infection. Chronic endometritis may need hospital care with intravenous medicines (medicines given directly into a vein). If a sexually transmitted infection causes it, sexual partners may also need treatment. You can prevent endometritis by practising safe sex and treating infections without delay. Good menstrual hygiene and careful medical care after childbirth or surgery also lower the risk. With the right treatment for endometritis, most women recover well and protect their reproductive health.
FAQs
Any woman can get endometritis. It is more common after childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion. The risk is also higher after pelvic surgery or when there is a sexually transmitted infection. Women with a weak immune system are more likely to develop it.
Yes. Ultrasound can show changes in the uterus. However, it is not enough to give a definite diagnosis. Therefore, other tests are often needed to confirm the condition.
Doctors usually treat endometritis with antibiotics. However, severe cases may need hospital care.
Endometritis is an infection or inflammation of the uterus lining. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus.
With early treatment, most women recover fully. However, untreated endometritis can cause long-term problems like infertility.