Endometritis is the inflammation and irritation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). The main cause of this disease is infection, and it should be treated immediately. Uterine infection can cause damage to the tissue of the inner lining of the uterus, and this leads to the inflammation of the tissue. Women may suffer from two types of acute or chronic endometritis. The symptoms of the acute type of disease start unexpectedly and are short-lived. However, people who suffer from the chronic type of this infection will have continuous symptoms for a long period of time or have the symptoms of the disease appear repeatedly.
Luckily, this disease is not life-threatening, but if not treated on time, it may cause irreversible complications. Endometritis affects the reproductive organs, fertility, and general health of the body. If you see symptoms of endometritis and experience abnormal cases, be sure to visit a gynecologist for timely diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will prescribe the necessary tests and perform treatment after diagnosing the disease.
Endometritis
Endometritis Types
Endometritis usually occurs in both acute and chronic forms in the body. In the acute type, the person experiences the disease all at once and unexpectedly, and the duration of this case is also short-term. But what is chronic endometritis? In people with chronic endometritis, the symptoms of the disease develop for a longer period of time, or the symptoms of the disease appear frequently.
Endometritis Causes
The major cause of endometritis is infection. Any of the following conditions may cause infection and cause inflammation of the uterus.
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Tuberculosis
Infection caused by natural bacteria in the vagina (the natural vaginal flora of bacteria is present in the vagina of all women. But sometimes this natural flora may change for some reason)
Endometritis Symptoms
What are the signs of Endometritis? Endometritis may cause the following symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort during defecation
- Abdominal swelling
- fever
- constipation
- feeling sick
- Pelvic pain, lower abdominal pain, and rectal pain
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Risk Factors for Endometritis
Several cases can increase the likelihood of endometritis and provide a path for bacteria to enter the uterus. The most common factors that increase the risk of uterine inflammation or endometritis are:
- Endometrial biopsy
- Abortion
- Labor, especially prolonged labor or cesarean section
- Placing the IUD device inside the uterus
- Hysteroscopy
- Curettage (scraping the uterus)
Diagnosis of Endometritis
Diagnosis of Endometritis
To diagnose uterine inflammation, the doctor first asks questions about your medical history and sexual habits. The doctor should check the possibility of contracting infectious diseases or sexually transmitted diseases. Then, a pelvic examination is performed. In this examination, the gynecologist examines the symptoms of sensitivity and discharge. Other tests may be performed to help confirm the diagnosis, including:
- Cervical sampling or culture of the tissue to detect bacteria such as chlamydia and gonococci (bacteria that cause gonorrhea)
- Observing vaginal secretions under a microscope
- Endometrial biopsy to examine the lining of the uterus
- Laparoscopy to see inside the abdomen and pelvis
- Blood test to check the red blood cell sedimentation rate (ESR) and the white blood cell count (WBC) (in endometritis, these two factors increase.)
Endometritis Treatment
If the cause of uterine inflammation is a sexually transmitted disease, your partner will also need to be tested and possibly treated. During this time, the doctor may prohibit sexual intercourse.
If the symptoms of endometritis are severe and you have this complication immediately after giving birth, you may be admitted to the hospital for treatment. In serious or complicated cases, intravenous fluids are injected.
Be sure to see a doctor after finishing the medication. Sometimes, antibiotic drugs may not eliminate the infection. In this case, there is a possibility of serious complications such as infertility.
Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics are usually used to treat endometritis. Studies show that taking antibiotics can cure up to 80% of this problem and prevent further complications and problems. If the person has just given birth and the infection is serious, the doctor may use intravenous antibiotic injection and absolute rest.
Surgery for Removal of Residual Tissue
The next method to treat Endometritis is surgery. In this method, the surgeon removes the remaining tissues in the uterus after childbirth or abortion to solve the problem. In cases where there are residual tissues in the uterus after childbirth or abortion, surgery may be required to remove the tissues.
Endometrium
Which Medical Team Should be Consulted for the Treatment of Endometritis?
If the tests and examinations have shown that you have uterine inflammation, you should take immediate treatment. The treatment of this disease is done by a gynecologist or midwife.
Which Group of People Are More Prone to Endometritis?
Individuals who have recently given birth or have undergone cervical surgery are more likely to be exposed to inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus than any other woman. Curettage, biopsy, placing an IUD in the uterus, and contamination through objects or sexual intercourse can all increase the risk of endometritis.
Can Endometritis be Seen on Ultrasound?
Yes, endometritis can be detected using ultrasound. While the condition is primarily diagnosed clinically, ultrasound can provide helpful imaging features. However, the lining of the uterus may look thicker or more irregular on an ultrasound, but this alone does not mean you have endometritis, as other conditions can also cause your uterine wall to look abnormal.
What Is Endometritis in Pregnancy?
Endometritis disease can have a negative effect on fertility and pregnancy. This condition causes scarring and makes it difficult for the embryo to implant and grow in the uterus. Chronic endometritis prevents implantation of the fertilized egg in the lining of the uterus and increases the possibility of miscarriage. Antibiotic treatments greatly improve the infected areas and increase the probability of successful fertility.
Usually, after childbirth, the first symptom of uterine inflammation is discomfort in the lower abdomen and tenderness of the uterus. You may also have a fever in the first 24 to 72 hours after delivery. Other common symptoms include chills, headache, feeling lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Endometritis in Pregnancy
Prevention of Endometritis
Endometritis can be prevented by following several tips. This disease is more likely to occur after childbirth and in people with sexually transmitted diseases. The following can help prevent it.
- Use of sterile equipment during childbirth or surgery
- Taking antibiotics before cesarean delivery or other female genital surgeries
- checkups and timely diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases
- Encourage your partner to have regular checkups
- Safe sex and condom use
- Taking medicine related to sexually transmitted diseases in case of contracting it.
Final Word
Endometritis is a condition caused by an infection in the uterus that causes inflammation and irritation of the inner lining of the uterus, which is endometrium. This infection can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, or imbalance of natural bacteria in the vagina.
If you have symptoms such as abdominal swelling, pelvic and lower abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, abnormal secretions, constipation, fever, and feeling sick, you should see a doctor to diagnose uterine inflammation. If you have symptoms of endometritis, you should see a gynecologist for timely diagnosis and treatment.
