Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Endometritis is not life-threatening but requires treatment right away. When not treated with antibiotics, endometritis can lead to severe complications, including infertility.
This article will provide an overview of endometritis, including the symptoms, causes, and treatments.
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Endometritis Symptoms
Endometritis does not always cause symptoms. When it does, the most common symptoms of endometritis include:
The risk of endometritis increases when you undergo a procedure that involves entering theuterusthrough thecervix. This increases the risk of bacteria or other pathogens (disease-causing organisms) entering the uterine lining and causing endometritis.
Risk factors of endometritis include:
Vaginal BacteriaPeople have a normal mix of bacteria in their vaginas, called the vaginal flora. When the natural mix changes, an infection can occur.
Vaginal Bacteria
People have a normal mix of bacteria in their vaginas, called the vaginal flora. When the natural mix changes, an infection can occur.
As part of the evaluation, the healthcare provider will take your vital signs and perform a physical exam, including an abdominal exam and often apelvic exam.
If the provider conducts diagnostic tests, they may include:
Because endometritis can lead to serious complications, quick diagnosis and treatment are essential. Endometritis is treated with antibiotics.
This type of treatment is usually given intravenously in the hospital. However, for less severe infections, you can take oral antibiotics. When taking an antibiotic, it is important to finish the entire prescription and attend all follow-up appointments.
The prognosis for endometritis is very good when it is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy usually cures this infection.
If left untreated, however, endometritis can cause the following complications:
Septicemia is a serious infection in the bloodstream and can lead to septic shock. Septic shock is a life-threatening emergency.
When to Call a Healthcare ProviderCall a healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of endometritis after:ChildbirthMiscarriageD&CIUD placementSurgery
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Call a healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of endometritis after:ChildbirthMiscarriageD&CIUD placementSurgery
Call a healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of endometritis after:
You can’t always prevent endometritis, but it is possible to lower your risk. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are possible causes of endometritis. To reduce your risk of contracting an STI, practice safer sex with condoms and regular testing.
If you are having an invasive procedure involving the uterus, ask your healthcare provider if you will need antibiotic therapy before the procedure.
Summary
Symptoms of endometritis may include abdominal swelling and pain, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, and fever. Endometritis may lead to serious complications if not treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy usually cures endometritis.
Endometritis is an infection of the lining of the uterus. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, constipation, fever, or simply not feeling well.Learn MoreIrregular Vaginal Bleeding
Endometritis is an infection of the lining of the uterus. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, constipation, fever, or simply not feeling well.
Learn MoreIrregular Vaginal Bleeding
Endometritis is curable when treated with antibiotics. If diagnosed after a cesarean section, the treatment regimen usually includes Cleocin T (clindamycin) and aminoglycoside.
Learn MoreSymptoms of Endometriosis
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Singh N, Sethi A.Endometritis - diagnosis, treatment and its impact on fertility - a scoping review.JBRA Assist Reprod. 2022;26(3):538-546. doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20220015MedlinePlus.Endometritis.Mackeen AD, Packard RE, Ota E, Speer L.Antibiotic regimens for postpartum endometritis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD001067. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001067.pub3Park HJ, Kim YS, Yoon TK, Lee WS.Chronic endometritis and infertility.Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2016;43(4):185-192. doi:10.5653/cerm.2016.43.4.185
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Singh N, Sethi A.Endometritis - diagnosis, treatment and its impact on fertility - a scoping review.JBRA Assist Reprod. 2022;26(3):538-546. doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20220015MedlinePlus.Endometritis.Mackeen AD, Packard RE, Ota E, Speer L.Antibiotic regimens for postpartum endometritis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD001067. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001067.pub3Park HJ, Kim YS, Yoon TK, Lee WS.Chronic endometritis and infertility.Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2016;43(4):185-192. doi:10.5653/cerm.2016.43.4.185
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Singh N, Sethi A.Endometritis - diagnosis, treatment and its impact on fertility - a scoping review.JBRA Assist Reprod. 2022;26(3):538-546. doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20220015MedlinePlus.Endometritis.Mackeen AD, Packard RE, Ota E, Speer L.Antibiotic regimens for postpartum endometritis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD001067. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001067.pub3Park HJ, Kim YS, Yoon TK, Lee WS.Chronic endometritis and infertility.Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2016;43(4):185-192. doi:10.5653/cerm.2016.43.4.185
Singh N, Sethi A.Endometritis - diagnosis, treatment and its impact on fertility - a scoping review.JBRA Assist Reprod. 2022;26(3):538-546. doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20220015
MedlinePlus.Endometritis.
Mackeen AD, Packard RE, Ota E, Speer L.Antibiotic regimens for postpartum endometritis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD001067. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001067.pub3
Park HJ, Kim YS, Yoon TK, Lee WS.Chronic endometritis and infertility.Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2016;43(4):185-192. doi:10.5653/cerm.2016.43.4.185
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