Endometritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• 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 or recurrent) and damage your female organs. Female organs allow the body to become pregnant and have babies.
  
  
• You may need blood and urine tests, a vaginal discharge culture, and tissue biopsy or hysteroscopy. Imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan may also be needed to learn more about your condition. Treatment includes antibiotic medicines and procedures to remove the cause of your infection. Treatments may cure the swelling in the lining of your womb. Treatment may also prevent further damage to your uterus and other female organs.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Most cases of endometritis will go away with treatment. In some cases, your condition may get worse and become chronic (long term), even with treatment. You may have an allergic response to the antibiotic medicine being given. You may also have diarrhea (loose bowel movements) or kidney problems because of the medicine. If you have surgery, you may bleed too much or get an infection.
  
  
• If your condition is left untreated, your symptoms will get worse. Too much bleeding from your vagina may cause blood clots to form. You may have trouble getting pregnant and having babies. The infection may spread to other nearby organs and form abscesses (pus pockets). It may also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, sepsis (severe blood infection), and may cause death. Ask your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Blood tests:

You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.

Vital signs:

Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  

Tests:

• 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 be relaxed 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 uterus 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 to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
    
    
  • 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 type of 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.

Treatment options:

• Evacuation: This is done to remove tissues left in your womb after an abortion, miscarriage, or giving birth.
  
  
• Needle aspiration: This may be needed if you have an abscess 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.

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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.

Learn more about Endometritis (Inpatient Care)