Endometritis

Endometritis is an infection-related inflammation of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. It occurs most often after childbirth, with caesarean delivery carrying higher risk than vaginal birth; miscarriage and procedures passed through the cervix also raise the risk. Infection usually spreads upward from the vagina and cervix, involving sexually transmitted chlamydia and gonorrhoea, tuberculosis, or a polymicrobial mixture of ordinary vaginal flora. Typical features are lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, abdominal swelling and general malaise; fever after delivery is the key sign. Diagnosis rests on history and pelvic examination, supported by cervical cultures and inflammatory blood markers, while chronic cases usually need biopsy. Treatment is antibiotic therapy, with hospital care and intravenous fluids when illness is severe or follows childbirth, and partners are treated when a sexually transmitted infection is responsible. Untreated infection can lead to abscess, septicaemia or infertility.

Seek urgent care for fever with flank pain, inability to pass urine, or blood in the urine. See a doctor for burning on urination that lasts more than two days, urinary symptoms that keep returning, or any change in urinary flow in men over 50. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.