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Endometritis - Treatment

Treatment:

Treatment with antibiotics is important to prevent complications of endometritis.

Complicated cases (those occurring after childbirth, or involving severe symptoms) may require the patient to be admitted to a hospital. Intravenous (in the vein) antibiotics are usually needed, followed by antibiotics taken by mouth.

Rest and hydration are important.

Treatment for sexual partner(s), when appropriate, and the use of condoms throughout the course of treatment, are essential.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most cases of endometritis go away with antibiotics. Untreated endometritis can lead to more serious infection and complications with pelvic organs, reproduction, and general health.

Complications:

Infertility
Pelvic peritonitis (generalized pelvic infection)
Pelvic or uterine abscess formation
Septicemia
Septic shock

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of endometritis.

Call immediately if you recently had a baby, had an abortion, had an IUD placed, or had any surgery involving the uterus.

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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