Endometritis
Endometritis is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the uterus and is usually due to an infection. It’s usually not life-threatening, but it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible.
Symptoms –
Endometritis does not always cause symptoms, and some people may be even don’t realize they have it. If symptoms do occur, they can include –
• pelvic or abdominal pain
• vaginal bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge
• fever or chills
• feeling unwell or extremely fatigued
• constipation or pain when going to the bathroom
Endometritis is also associated with infertility and pregnancy loss.
Causes –
Endometritis is caused by an infection in the uterus. It can be due to chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, or a mix of normal vaginal bacteria. It is more likely to occur after miscarriage or childbirth. It is also more common after a long labor or C-section.
Risk Factors –
You may be at higher risk for endometritis if you recently gave birth or had a procedure involving your cervix. Some examples of procedures could be –
• Dilation and curettage (D&C).
• Dilation and evacuation (D&E).
• Endometrial biopsy (taking tissue from your uterine lining for testing).
• Hysteroscopy.
• Childbirth (especially if you have an infection during labor, prolonged rupture of membranes or are positive for Group B strep).
• Placement of an IUD (intrauterine device).
Some people get endometritis from douching or inserting other objects into their vagina.
Difference between Endometriosis & Endometritis –
Endometritis and endometriosis are two different conditions. Both conditions affect the inner lining of your uterus (endometrium).
▪︎ Endometriosis is when pieces of your uterine lining develop in places other than the uterus, like your ovaries or fallopian tubes.
▪︎ Endometritis is inflammation of the lining of the uterus.
Complications –
Possible complications that can develop are –
• infertility
• pelvic peritonitis, which is a general pelvic infection
• collections of pus or abscesses in the pelvis or uterus
• septicemia, which is bacteria in the blood
• septic shock, which is an overwhelming blood infection that leads to very low blood pressure
Diagnosis –
Your doctor performs a pelvic exam to diagnose endometritis. They may also recommend the following tests to help confirm the diagnosis –
• Testing fluid from your vagina for bacterial or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Removing tissue from your uterus and testing it for bacteria (biopsy).
• Performing laparoscopy to get a closer look at your uterus.
• Blood tests to look at white blood counts (WBC) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). High levels can indicate infection or inflammation.
Treatment –
Treatment aims to eliminate the infection and resolve inflammation of the uterus. This may involve the following –
• Antibiotics: These medications fight the bacteria causing inflammation of the uterine lining. If the infection is very severe, a person may require intravenous antibiotics in the hospital.
• Treating sexual partners: If the endometritis is due to an STI, the person’s sexual partner or partners may also require antibiotic treatment.
• Surgery to remove tissue: A surgeon may need to remove any tissue left inside the uterus following childbirth or pregnancy loss.
• Treating any abscesses: In some cases, the infection may cause an abscess within the abdomen. A person may then require surgery or a needle aspiration to remove infected fluid or pus from the abscess.
Ayurvedic Perspective
In Ayurveda, endometritis can be correlated with Pittaja Asrigdar.
Some Ayurvedic medicines that could help treating endometritis or pittaja asrigdar are as follows –
• Nagkeshar churna
• Ashwagandha churna
• Punarnava mandoor
• Bolbaddha rasa
• Kaharava pishti
• Panchatikta ghrita guggulu
Prevention –
As untreated STIs often cause endometritis, the best preventive measures are –
• Follow safe sex practices.
• Treat STIs on priority.
• Go for regular screenings for STIs.
• Motivate your sexual partners to get regular screenings for STIs.
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