Endometritis is a condition that primarily affects the uterus, as the lining of the uterus, or the endometrium, becomes inflamed. Sometimes the condition will spread into the middle layer of the uterine wall, the myometrium, or the parametrium, which is the connective tissue near the uterus.
Causes
The main cause of endometritis is an infection such as tuberculosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or it can be caused by the bacteria that is normally present in the vagina. The condition can occur after pregnancy or a miscarriage and is most likely to occur after a woman has a C-section or after a labor period that is exceptionally long.
Certain medical procedures such as a hysteroscopy, insertion of an intrauterine device and undergoing a D and C, will significantly increase a woman's chances of developing endometritis, since these procedures involve entering the uterus through the cervix. When this condition is not caused as a result of pregnancy, it is most commonly referred to as pelvic inflammatory disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this disorder include vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge that has an unusual odor, color or consistency, abdominal swelling, fever, pelvic pain or pain located in the lower abdominals and constipation. If any of these symptoms are present, it is recommended that medical attention be sought as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
An endometritis doctor will commonly perform both a physical exam and a pelvic exam, as well as taking a complete medical history of the patient before a diagnosis is reached. In order to reach a definitive diagnosis of this condition, an endometritis doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy, measure white blood cell count, obtain cultures from the cervix for further testing or perform an analysis of any discharge. Upon analyzing the results from any of these methods, a doctor will then be able to diagnose a person with endometritis.
Treatment
The main treatment for endometritis consists of a course of antibiotics. Hospitalization is rarely required, but may be needed if the disease developed after childbirth or if more serious symptoms are present. If the disease was caused by a sexually transmitted disease, all sexual partners must also seek antibiotic treatment. In most cases, this condition is responds well to treatment and is curable. If this disease is left untreated, it can quickly lead to a serious infection and may cause permanent damage to reproductive organs.
Prevention
Since the disease can be caused by different sexually transmitted diseases, practicing safe sex is the main course of prevention. In cases when endometritis occurred as a result of childbirth or after a medical procedure, the risk of developing this condition can be reduced by using sterile techniques within the healthcare facility.
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