The clinical picture of uterine inflammation, cervicitis, endometritis or myometritis is a classic pathological impairment in women of different age groups due to its anatomical characteristics.
What is uterine inflammation?
Uterine inflammation, which can affect even young women, is also known as cervicitis, endometritis or myometritis. In medical parlance, the ending -itis always indicates an inflammatory process. Uterine inflammation can affect different areas of the internal reproductive organs, especially the uterus. In addition to the cervix, uterine inflammation can particularly affect the mucosa as the inner lining of the uterus. If the uterine inflammation is localized in the cervix, it is called cervicits. If the mucous membrane of the uterus is directly affected, the uterine inflammation is called endometritis. Myometritis characterizes uterine inflammation that manifests itself in the muscles. Uterine inflammation can occur acutely or can progress to a chronic condition. In most cases, with appropriate treatment, uterine inflammation heals without complications or sequelae. If left untreated, uterine inflammation can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
Causes
Causes of uterine inflammation include inflammation of the vagina. Specific bacterial pathogens that ascend through the vagina to the uterus and cervix trigger uterine inflammation. Although the mucous membrane of the vagina is so resistant that bacteria cannot migrate to the higher organs. However, some strains of bacteria can realize this under certain circumstances. Uterine inflammation can be a result, as it were, of natural processes such as births and miscarriages, mechanical contraceptives such as IUDs, abortions, or surgical treatments to the internal reproductive organs. Other possible causes of uterine inflammation include any process associated with a change in the pH of the vagina to the alkaline range. These are tumors, polyps, benign growths at the cervix or fibroids. Bacterial agents of uterine inflammation include the so-called chlamydia, gonococcal, streptococcal and staphylococcal strains, as well as bacteria Escherichia coli or mycoplasma.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
The symptoms of uterine infection depend on which part of the uterus is affected. If only the cervix is inflamed, mild symptoms include increased discharge. This is a whitish-yellow and sometimes purulent to bloody fluid secretion that has a foul-smelling odor. Itching and pain may occur in the vagina, as the infection often originates there. However, the lining of the uterus and the uterine muscles may also be inflamed. However, these inflammations do not cause specific symptoms. Often, lower abdominal pain and pressure pain in the uterus then occur. The pain is often so severe that even treatment with painkillers becomes necessary. Sometimes menstrual disorders also occur, such as increased menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual bleeding, spotting or bleeding between periods. Furthermore, discomfort during urination in the form of burning and a constant urge to urinate is also possible. If the infection spreads to the ovaries, the lower abdominal symptoms increase. This is then accompanied by fever and a pronounced feeling of illness. Ovary inflammation (adnexitis) is a complication of uterine inflammation and should be prevented at all costs. As a result of adnexitis, infertility may occur. As a rule, uterine inflammation heals well. However, in rare cases, it turns into a chronic inflammation with permanent discharge and infertility.
Diagnosis and course
The course of uterine inflammation is characterized by few or hardly any complications. This disease is easily treatable. Only permanent infertility and constant discharge may be sequelae of chronic uterine inflammation. The achievable treatment success depends on the extent of the disease and the time when it occurs.What is meant in this context is an inflammation of the uterus, which can only become pronounced during the postpartum period. The diagnosis of uterine inflammation is based on laboratory and examination-specific measures by the attending physician. By examining the uterine mucosa with a colposcope, tissue-typical signs of inflammation can be detected. A laboratory examination of the discharge or a smear from the cervix for bacteria provides clear indications of the existence of uterine inflammation. In order to distinguish the tissue changes in uterine inflammation from tumors, samples of the mucous membrane can be taken by biopsy. These are examined microscopically for corresponding cells.
Complications
Inflammation of the uterus can result in various complications, although these occur only in rare cases. Thus, the disease takes a positive course in most patients. The risk of sequelae is also reduced by timely professional treatment. Complications from uterine inflammation arise from the spread of the disease. Thus, there is a possibility that it may spread to the inner lining of the uterus. Even the entire wall of the uterus may be affected. In the further course, the inflammation threatens to ascend to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, resulting in salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes) as well as oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries). If both body structures are affected at the same time, doctors refer to it as adnexitis. Also in the realm of possibility is the accumulation of pus in the uterus due to the inflammation. This happens mainly when there is adhesion of the cervical canal. Another dangerous, although very rare, consequence of uterine inflammation is peritonitis. Endometritis spreads throughout the entire abdominal cavity. It primarily affects women who already have a weakened body due to other diseases. Another possible cause is a disorder of the immune system. One of the serious complications of uterine inflammation is puerperal fever, also called childbed fever. It occurs when the pathogens spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. Typical symptoms include pain, chills and fever.
When should you go to the doctor?
Pain in the abdomen that cannot be associated with the onset of menstruation or ovulation should be examined and treated by a doctor. If there is discomfort during the sexual act, a general feeling of discomfort, or cramping of the abdomen, a visit to the doctor is necessary. If there are changes in vaginal discharge, an unusual odor in the intimate area, and itching of the vagina, a doctor should be consulted. Consultation with a doctor should also take place as soon as a feeling of illness sets in, there is inner restlessness or the body temperature is elevated. If irregularities of the menstrual cycle occur, they should be clarified by a doctor. In the event of intermittent bleeding, shortened or prolonged bleeding, or discoloration of the escaping fluid, these observations should be examined by a doctor. Spotting should also be investigated. If there is irritability, mood swings or a feeling of lassitude, a doctor is needed. If the symptoms increase in scope and intensity, a medical examination should be initiated as soon as possible. If the itching causes open sores in the intimate area, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately before germs enter the organism and cause further illness. If a pulling or burning sensation in the abdomen can be perceived repeatedly, this observation should be discussed with a doctor.
Treatment and therapy
In addition to bed rest to be observed and the intake of antibiotic medications such as cipraflaxin, doxycycline or metronidazole, surgical interventions are also relevant. In addition to antibiotics, pain-relieving medications complete the symptoms that occur during uterine inflammation and are administered especially in the case of severe inflammation. The affected patients have to be admitted as inpatients in case of risky courses of uterine inflammation. In addition to the removal of an IUD as the cause of the uterine inflammation, a so-called uterine scraping can be performed as a therapeutic measure.During the procedure, tissue substances that cause inflammation, such as unshed mucosal or placental debris, are removed.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of uterine inflammation is favorable in most patients. With early medical treatment, improvement occurs within a few days. The existing symptoms regress and the uterus heals. A short time later, freedom from symptoms is achieved. Consequential damage or long-term impairment is not normally to be expected. Rapid healing is possible with sufficient rest and a stable immune system. Without medical treatment, the symptoms will increase. The inflammation spreads and the general state of health gradually deteriorates. Menstrual cycle irregularities occur and pain increases in intensity. If the fallopian tubes or ovaries also become inflamed due to lack of or delayed treatment, the prognosis worsens. Various complications may occur, which have a long-term impact on the patient’s health. In unfavorable cases, the patient is at risk of irreparable infertility. Pregnant women may suffer miscarriage due to the inflammation. If the inflammation of the uterus spreads to the abdominal cavity, further functional disorders may develop. Digestive and urinary problems may occur. Irreparable organ and tissue damage is possible. There is also a risk of sepsis. Blood poisoning potentially endangers the patient’s life.
Prevention
To prevent recurrence of uterine inflammation after surviving an illness, a so-called contraceptive can be taken. This promotes contraction of the uterus and a corresponding regression of the organ. Since in some cases of persistent and severe uterine inflammation, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be affected, antibiotics are usually prescribed in addition. For personal prevention of uterine infection, condoms and good intimate hygiene are crucial to avoid vaginitis to begin with. Intimate washing lotions help to ensure that the acidic and germ-killing environment of the vagina cannot change and that rising bacteria do not trigger uterine inflammation. A regular check-up when the IUD is in place as a contraceptive that partially triggers inflammation is useful to detect uterine inflammation in time.
Follow-up care
After a successfully treated uterine inflammation, there are usually no more symptoms. Thus, follow-up care becomes unnecessary. However, immunity has not built up. A recurrence of the disease is possible. To prevent this, preventive measures are recommended. The patient is responsible for these. The man should use a condom during sexual intercourse. It is essential for the woman to perform regular intimate hygiene. If tampons or pads are worn during menstruation, they should be changed after six hours at the latest. Uterine inflammation is also due to a weakened immune system. Patients are therefore advised to eat a varied diet and avoid stress. Analyses of the discharge and a smear from the cervix provide clarity. Only in rare cases do consequences from uterine inflammation remain. To prevent complications, a doctor can administer a contraceptive. This promotes the regression of the organ. If the inflammation was persistent, it may be necessary to take antibiotics. In the worst case, infertility and irreparable organ damage can result from uterine inflammation. These must be treated on a symptom basis, which often results in adjustments to everyday life. A desire to have children can no longer be fulfilled, and sometimes dysfunction results in urination and the ingestion of certain foods.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Uteritis is caused by bacteria that travel up the vaginal canal to the uterus. Therefore, hygiene in the intimate area is an essential factor in preventing inflammatory disease or reducing its intensity. Regularly changing hygiene articles during menstruation prevents bacteria from forming. Tampons, pads or menstrual cups should be replaced after no more than six hours of use. Good sexual hygiene is also essential and easy to implement.The use of condoms during sexual intercourse and extensive intimate hygiene help with uterine infection. Washing lotions should be free of soaps or perfumes for the intimate area. The use of intimate sprays should be avoided whenever possible. This helps to avoid weakening the natural defense function of the mucous membrane. Regular showering or washing, as well as changing underwear daily, is necessary to avoid encouraging bacterial growth. In addition to taking precautions, it is helpful to strengthen the immune system. With a healthy diet rich in vitamins, the body can build up defenses to fight bacteria on its own. Adequate exercise through sports activities also support the immune system. Avoiding stress and overexertion promote well-being and prevent inflammatory disease. After childbirth or miscarriage, the risk of uterine inflammation is increased. Therefore, intensive intimate hygiene is necessary, especially during this period.
