Endometritis - Overview

Definition of Endometritis:

Endometritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Endometritis is caused by infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, or mixtures of normal vaginal bacteria. Endometritis is more likely to occur after childbirth, miscarriage, or placement of an intrauterine device (IUD).

Any surgical procedure that enters the uterus through the cervix will increase the risk of developing endometritis. Endometritis can occur at the same time as other pelvic infections such as acute salpingitis, acute cervicitis, and many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Pelvic laparoscopy

Endometritis

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Duff P. Maternal and Perinatal Infection -- Bacterial. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Gabbe: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007: chap 49.

Eckert LO, Lentz, GM. Infections of the Upper Genital Tract. In: Katz Vl, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Katz: Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap 23.

Faro S. Postpartum endometritis. Clin Perinatol. 2005; 32(3): 803-14.

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Endometritis - Overview

Definition of Endometritis:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

References