Definition of uterine inflammation
The uterus of a non-pregnant woman is about 7 cm long and has the shape of a pear. Anatomically, three sections of the uterus can be distinguished: The body of the uterus (corpus uteri) including the dome (fundus uteri) and the outlets of the fallopian tubes, The isthmus uteri, a narrow intermediate piece, which forms the inner cervix with its lower end, The cervix uteri, which opens into the vagina at the lower end with the so-called portio vaginalis; this end corresponds to the outer cervix
- The body of the uterus (corpus uteri) including the dome (fundus uteri) and the outlets of the fallopian tubes,
- The isthmus uteri, a narrow intermediate piece, which forms the inner cervix with its lower end,
- The cervix (cervix uteri), which opens into the vagina at the lower end with the so-called portio vaginalis; this end corresponds to the outer cervix
In the case of uterine inflammation, different areas can be affected. For example, a distinction is made between inflammation of the corpus uteri and inflammation of the cervix uteri, i.e. the cervix.
The inflammation of the uterine body is called endometritis, endomyometritis or myometritis in technical jargon. The name depends on which tissue layer of the uterine body is affected. If the lining lining of the uterus is affected, it is called endometritis.
If the muscle layer is affected, the gynecologist refers to it as myometritis. A myometritis only occurs in connection with a purulent endometritis. Since both parts are affected, this is declared as endomyometritis. If it is not the body of the uterus but the cervix that is affected by inflammation, this is known as cervicitis.
Signs of uterus inflammation
Depending on where the uterine inflammation is located, the signs or symptoms may vary. In the case of cervical inflammation (cervicitis), a whitish-bloody discharge is more likely to occur. The discharge is usually unpleasant or foul-smelling.
Cervicitis can also be indicated by pain and/or itching of the vagina. (endometritis), which in most cases is caused by an infection of the vaginal mucosa, is mainly noticeable by atypical or irregular menstrual bleeding. In some cases, the menstrual bleeding becomes heavier and menstrual pain occurs.
In general, severe pain in the lower abdomen and pressure pain in the lower abdomen can indicate an inflammation of the endometrium. Fever and a general feeling of illness may also occur. Inflammation of the uterine body is usually caused by an ascent of germs through the vulva (female pubic area) and the vagina (vagina).
The most common germs include staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia and anaerobes, i.e. bacteria that do not require oxygen. Usually, the inner cervix between the cervical and uterine tissues forms a barrier and protects the uterine body from infection. However, this protective mechanism can be impaired by menstruation, childbirth, miscarriage, uterine prolapse or by surgical vaginal interventions. As a result, staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia and anaerobes may rise. Inflammation can also be caused by inflammation of the fallopian tubes, or the inflammation can spread to the uterine body via the bloodstream.
