Endometritis
Description
Endometritis is inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (Endometrium) due to infection. Normally the uterus is sterile and doesn’t contain microorganisms, but microbes from the cervix or vagina can move to the uterus causing infection and inflammation. This condition could be acute or chronic and occurs after 1-3% of vaginal deliveries and 27% of cesarean deliveries.
Symptoms
Patients with chronic endometritis usually don’t have symptoms, but in acute cases, symptoms may include :
- Fever
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal discharge
- Pelvic discomfort
- Light vaginal bleeding outside the period timing
- Abnormal bowel movement
- Feeling unwell
Visit a Gynaecologist if you have any of these symptoms to be diagnosed and treated properly
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View MoreCauses
Endometritis is caused by an infection in the uterus. This infection can be caused by a specific pathogenic bacteria or a mixture of normal bacteria that migrate from the vagina or cervix to the sterile uterus.
Risk factors :
- Miscarriage
- Cesarean section
- Childbirth
Diagnostics
Diagnosis depends on the symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Other diagnostic tools are used such as :
- Laboratory tests (a blood sample is taken to examine the level of white blood cells to detect the presence of infection).
- Bacterial culture (a sample of the vaginal fluid is taken to be examined to identify the bacteria causing the infection to use the proper treatment).
- Microscopic examination (a sample of the vaginal fluid is tested under the microscope).
- Biopsy (a sample of the uterine tissue is taken to be examined).
- Ultrasound (an imaging procedure in which ultrasound waves are used to produce an image of the uterus to detect any abnormality and exclude other health conditions).
Treatment
This condition is treated by using different types of antibiotics which are chosen according to the culture result (ex : Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, Levofloxacin, Gentamicin).
