Endometritis Overview
Learn About Endometritis
Endometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). It is not the same as endometriosis.
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)
- Endometrial biopsy
- Hysteroscopy
- Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Childbirth (more common after C-section than vaginal birth)
Endometritis can occur at the same time as other pelvic infections.
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Discomfort with bowel movement (including constipation)
- Fever
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
- Pain in lower abdomen or pelvic region (uterine pain)
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).
Osu Gyn And Ob Consultants, LLC
Christa Nagel is a Gynecologic Oncologist and an Oncologist in Hilliard, Ohio. Dr. Nagel and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Endometritis. Her top areas of expertise are Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, Hysterectomy, and Vulvectomy. Dr. Nagel is currently accepting new patients.
Ohiohealth Corporation
Aine Clements is a Gynecologic Oncologist and an Oncologist in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Clements and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Endometritis. Her top areas of expertise are Endometrial Cancer, Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma, Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, Salpingo-Oophorectomy, and Oophorectomy. Dr. Clements is currently accepting new patients.
Osu Gyn And Ob Consultants, LLC
David O'malley is a Gynecologic Oncologist and an Oncologist in Hilliard, Ohio. Dr. O'malley and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Endometritis. His top areas of expertise are Cervical Cancer, Vulvar Cancer, Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cervix, Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, and Hernia Surgery. Dr. O'malley is currently accepting new patients.
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.
Complications may include:
- Infertility
- Pelvic peritonitis (generalized pelvic infection)
- Pelvic or uterine abscess formation
- Septicemia
- Septic shock
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
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.
Summary: This is a phase-III multi-center double-blind randomized controlled trial of 8,000 individuals undergoing a scheduled or prelabor cesarean delivery who are randomized to either adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis or to placebo. Both groups also will receive standard of care preoperative antibiotics (excluding azithromycin). The primary endpoint is a maternal infection composite defined as any one ...
Introduction: Incomplete early miscarriage is defined as early miscarriage with persistent intrauterine material on ultrasound. Intrauterine retention of trophoblastic debris is not an uncommon phenomenon. These retentions may initially be asymptomatic but are often responsible for persistent metrorrhagia and endometritis. This symptomatology often accentuates the psychological distress of patients mourning the...
Published Date: July 12, 2023
Published 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.