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Women's Services Encyclopedia

Endometritis

Endometritis is a bacterial infection to the lining (endometrium) of the uterus (womb). This type of infection can be seen after a normal childbirth, or as a complication of an elective abortion (or a miscarriage).

Symptoms:

Common symptoms of endometritis include a vaginal discharge that is cloudy and/or foul smelling. The patient will often complain of lower abdominal pain, fever, chills and nausea (with vomiting in some cases).

Diagnosis:

  • Pelvic examination will reveal any abnormal discharge from the cervix (opening to the uterus).
  • Cultures of the discharge can be taken to help the physician make an accurate determination of which antibiotic will be necessary to eliminate the infection.
  • Blood tests for blood count and chemistry will be performed.
  • Pelvic ultrasound may be indicated to exclude the possibility of retained foetal tissue.

Treatment:

Includes the administration of IV antibiotics in most cases.

An OB-GYN specialist is the expert in treating this infection. Hospitalization is necessary in most cases of endometritis.

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