What is endometritis? Endometritis is a condition where the inner tissue lining (endometrium) of your uterus (womb) becomes inflamed (swollen). The womb is found in the lower part of your abdomen (stomach) where babies grow and develop. This condition commonly occurs after giving birth, but may also occur in women who have not been pregnant. This condition may go away with treatment or become chronic (long-term) and damage your female organs. Female organs allow the body to become pregnant and have babies. Having your condition treated may cure the swelling in your womb and prevent further problems in your uterus.
What causes endometritis? Endometritis is caused by any condition that causes swelling of the lining of your womb. Infections are the most common cause of swelling and may be due to any of the following:
Amniotic fluid: This is the fluid in your womb where your baby lives during your pregnancy. The fluid may become infected before or during labor. If the baby inside your womb passes meconium (stool) before you give birth, your risk of infection increases.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is also called PID. This is when you have an infection in any of your female organs. Ask your caregiver for more information about PID.
Retained (left) tissues: After delivery, pieces of tissue, such as the placenta, may be left inside your womb causing an infection. Tissues may also be left inside your womb after having an abortion (miscarriage).
Sexually transmitted diseases: This is also known as STDs. You may get these diseases from having sex with infected partners. Ask your caregiver for more information about STDs.
What increases my risk of having endometritis? Your risk of having the condition increases with any of the following:
Anemia: This is when your red blood cell count is decreased. Losing large amounts of blood during delivery through a cesarian section (c-section) may cause your anemia. Having anemia before giving birth also increases your risk for having the condition.
C-section: This is surgery done to deliver your baby through your abdomen. Your risk is higher after having a c-section than it is with a normal vaginal delivery. Ask your caregiver for more information about a c-section.
Infection: Having a womb infection early in your pregnancy increases your risk for having the condition after giving birth.
Procedures: Tests to check your uterus, vagina, and the baby inside your womb may use special tools. These tools may bother the lining of your womb and cause it to swell. Ask your caregiver for more information about these procedures and how they may cause endometritis.
Prolonged labor: This occurs when you have a long and difficult labor.
Steroid medicine: This medicine may be given if your baby will be born too early (before reaching 37 weeks). Steroid medicine helps increase the chance that your baby's lungs will function correctly. Having to take steroid medicines may increase your risk for this condition after you give birth.
What are the signs and symptoms of endometritis? You may have any of the following:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Fever.
Increased and foul smelling vaginal discharge.
Pain in your lower abdomen or perineum (area between the thighs).
Pain while having sex.
How is endometritis diagnosed? Tell your caregiver what your symptoms are and how long you have had them. He will do a pelvic exam and check for other problems that may be causing your symptoms. During a pelvic exam your caregiver will check your female organs. Your caregiver will use a special tool to widen your vagina. This is done so your caregiver can see your cervix. You may also have any of the following:
Computed tomography scan: This test is also called a CT scan. A special x-ray uses a computer to take pictures of your abdomen (stomach). It may also be used to look at other body organs such as your womb and ovaries. You may be given a dye before pictures are taken. The dye is usually given through an intravenous (IV) tube. The dye helps your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies.
Procedures: Your caregiver may give you medicine for pain to help you relax during these procedures:
Hysteroscopy: This test may be done to look for swelling inside your womb. The scope is a long tube that goes in through your vagina and into your womb. Caregivers may use a special liquid or gas put through the scope. This will help them see the inside of your womb clearly. A sample of tissue from your womb may also be taken during this test.
Tissue biopsy: During this test, your caregiver takes tissue from your womb and sends it to a lab for tests.
Other tests:
Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
Cultures: Your urine, blood, and vaginal discharge may need to be collected and sent to a lab for tests. This may help your caregiver learn what germ is causing your infection.
Pap smear: This test is done to see if the lining of your womb is swollen and infected. It may also be done to check for abnormal cells that may lead to cancer. Your caregiver will take a sample of cells from your cervix (tip of your womb) with a special tool. The cells are placed on a glass slide to be sent to a lab for tests.
How is endometritis treated? Ask your caregiver about any of the following treatments:
Medicines:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
Procedures:
Evacuation: This is done to remove the tissues left in your womb after giving birth or an abortion.
Needle aspiration: This may be needed if you have an abscess (pus pocket) in or on your womb. A needle is put through your abdomen or vagina and used to pull the pus from your womb. Ask your caregiver for more information about this procedure.
Surgery: This may also be done to remove pus from your womb or to remove your infected womb. Surgery may be done if the infection does not go away after treatment with medicine.
When should I call my caregiver? Call your caregiver if:
You have a fever (increased body temperature).
Your symptoms come back after treatment.
You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.
When should I seek immediate help? Seek care immediately or call 911 if:
You feel lightheaded or you have fainted (passed out).
You have vaginal bleeding that is not menstrual (period) bleeding.
Your symptoms become worse, even after starting treatment with medicine.
Where can I find more information? Contact any of the following:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333 Phone: 1-800-232-4636 Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov
Office of Research on Women's Health National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health 9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg 1, Room 201 Bethesda, MD 20892-0161 Phone: 1-301-402-1770 Web Address: http://orwh.od.nih.gov/
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
