Endometritis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is endometritis?
Endometritis is inflammation of the lining of your uterus.
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What causes endometritis?
Infection is the most common cause. Any of the following can increase your risk for infection:
- Amniotic fluid that becomes infected before or during labor
- Meconium (first bowel movement) passed by your baby before you give birth
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of female organs)
- Placenta or other tissue left inside your womb after delivery or a miscarriage
- A sexually transmitted infection (STI) from having sex with an infected partner
What increases my risk for endometritis?
- A cesarean section (C-section) to deliver your baby
- Anemia (lack of red blood cells) that develops from large blood loss during a C-seciton
- Infection in your womb early in your pregnancy
- Procedures or tests used to check inside your uterus with tools that irritate the lining
- A long or difficult labor
- Steroid medicine given if your baby will be born too early (before 37 weeks)
What are the signs and symptoms of endometritis?
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Fever
- Increased and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain in your lower abdomen or perineum (area between your vagina and anus)
- Pain during sex
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
How is endometritis treated or prevented?
- Antibiotics fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. If you are pregnant, antibiotics may be given before you deliver.
- Evacuation is done to remove the tissues left in your womb after giving birth or an abortion.
- Needle aspiration may be needed to drain an abscess in your abdomen. A needle may be placed through your abdomen or vagina and used to remove the pus.
- Surgery may also be done to remove pus and infected tissue.
When should I call my doctor?
- You feel lightheaded or you have fainted.
- You have vaginal bleeding that is not your monthly period.
- Your symptoms become worse, even after you start treatment with medicine.
- You have a fever.
- Your symptoms come back after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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