Postpartum Endometritis
Postpartum endometritis is a bacterial infection that affects the lining of your uterus. This infect is more common after delivery. There are many types of bacteria that can cause this infection. After delivery, these bacteria get a chance to move into parts of your body like genitals, abdominal cavity and at times your blood stream. Most often, this happens because of the various examinations that you undergo during your pregnancy.
This infection also happens when you suffer from a miscarriage and because of multiple vaginal examinations. Placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) can also lead to contracting this infection.
Symptoms of Postpartum Endometritis
Fortunately, you can nip this infection in the bud if you know what to look for. Here are some symptoms that you need to keep an eye out for:
• A swollen abdomen where your belly is unusually bigger
• Bleeding from the uterus that occurs in between your normal menstrual cycles
• Unusual vaginal discharge - yellowish or thick mucus with a foul smell often indicates a possible infection
• Discomfort with bowel movement like constipation or loose motions
• Fever
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
• Chills and a feeling of being ill
• Body pain
Treating Postpartum Endometritis
Your doctor will first perform a physical examination to determine the severity of the infection. He or she may examine your lower abdomen and then your pelvic area. In case they are tender, it is possibly a sign of an infection.
Post a physical examination, your doctor may get urine and blood tests done to determine the culture of the bacteria that has infected you. After the reports, your doctor may prescribe you a course of antibiotics to disinfect your system.
For very severe and complicated cases, the patient may be required to get admitted in a hospital and the antibiotics are administered by way of intravenous drops (IV), which works faster than oral administration.
You will probably be advised plenty of rest and to increase the intake of fluids, which will help drive the infection out. Your partner may also be required to undergo a course of antibiotics to be on the safer side.
Postpartum Endometritis Complications
If postpartum endometritis is left untreated it can lead to serious complications. Here are some complications that you may face:
• Infertility
• Pelvic infection
• Infection that leads to low blood pressure
If the infection is not treated on time, it can affect your entire reproductive system. So it is imperative that you seek good medical aid before it is too late.
Submitted by P T on June 17, 2010 at 12:01