Recently, the diagnosis of "infertility" is quite common. One of its main causes is endometritis disease. Women of all ages suffer from its manifestations. Recently, however, the disease has "rejuvenated," according to doctors. This is due to the deterioration of the sanitary standard of living of the population, the increase in cases of unprotected sexual intercourse and regular episodes of hypothermia against the background of a decrease in immunity.
What is endometritis in women?
Before answering the question, it is necessary to understand the anatomy of the female reproductive organ. The uterus has 3 layers: endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium. Pathology develops in the first or inner layer. It also has two parts. Its functional or surface layer tends to be torn off with each menstrual cycle, and from the basal (germ) maturesnew surface.
The uterus is reliably protected by natural mechanisms from the effects of infections. We are talking about the anatomical features of the structure of the mucus containing immunoglobulins in the cavity of the organ and cervical canal, the acidic environment of the vagina, and local immune defense. When this natural balance is disturbed, disease develops.
What is endometritis in women? This is an inflammatory process in the mucous layer of the uterus, which occurs due to a septic infection or exposure to other pathogenic microorganisms. In medical practice, it is customary to distinguish between two types of the disease: acute and chronic. The first manifests itself 2-3 days after infection, and the second is often asymptomatic. Chronic endometritis mainly develops against the background of the absence or untimely treatment of the acute form of the disease.
Main reasons
In most cases, the causes of endometritis are fungal, bacterial or viral. Pathogens enter the reproductive organ through the vagina, cervix, or along with the blood stream. Rarely, the disease develops against the background of exposure to only one type of microbes, more often there are several bacteria (gonococci, chlamydia, E. coli, etc.). As for viral pathogens, the most common are HPV, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus.
Infecting the mucosa alone is not enough. Doctors identify a group of factors, the presence of which increases the likelihood of getting endometritis:
- curettage and abortion;
- Hysteroscopy history;
- presence of an intrauterine device;
- prolonged labor (more than 12 hours);
- regular douching;
- sex during menstruation.
Getting into the uterine cavity, pathogenic microflora provokes the launch of complex reactions leading to the development of inflammation. Under such conditions, the reproductive organ loses its ability to fully function. As a result, a woman has signs of endometritis, forcing her to see a doctor. An acute form of the disease that is not immediately cured can transform into a chronic one and cause infertility.
Symptoms of the acute form of the disease
The first manifestations of the disease occur 3-7 days after infection. For example, after childbirth or abortion, other interventions. Typical symptoms of endometritis in women in the acute phase are as follows:
- fever;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- purulent vaginal discharge;
- bleeding.
The pathological process begins with a sudden rise in temperature to 38-40 degrees. Chills and general weakness appear, appetite worsens. In the inguinal zone, an increase in lymph nodes is possible. Against the background of high temperature, there are pains in the lower abdomen of a pulling nature. They can give to the coccyx or lower back. They are well stopped by taking analgesics.
As women's endometritis progresses, symptoms change. There is a discharge from the vagina with impurities of pus or blood. They have an unpleasant smell and are quite plentiful.
Aftermiscarriage or abortion, the disease has its own characteristics. 5-7 days after the manipulation, the woman's condition deteriorates sharply. The temperature rises, bleeding develops. In especially serious cases, pyometra occurs when there is an accumulation of purulent secretion in the uterine cavity.
Symptoms of chronic endometritis
What is chronic endometritis in women, most will only know after seeing a gynecologist. At the initial stage, the disease is asymptomatic. Over time, the following he alth problems appear:
- constant pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
- menstrual irregularities.
Irregular menstrual cycle manifests itself in the form of irregular uterine bleeding. They can be of varying intensity. A few days before the date of the expected period, spotting usually occurs. Menstruation itself in the case of chronic endometritis becomes painful with copious discharge.
A long-term pathological process makes it impossible to conceive and bear a child. The inflamed uterine mucosa does not accept a fertilized egg, causing a miscarriage in the early stages. Against the background of the disease, an ectopic pregnancy also often occurs.
Endometritis and pregnancy
The sensitivity of the endometrium and reproductive functions at the initial stage of the development of the disease remain at a satisfactory level. Their effectiveness is determined by the state of immunity, the presence of concomitant he alth problems andactivity of infectious agents. Therefore, at the initial stage of development of endometritis, pregnancy is possible.
However, in the case of a chronic disease, it is difficult for the fetal egg to attach to the inflamed area of the uterus. If this process is completed successfully, pregnancy can proceed with complications. Infection in the female body can provoke the destruction of placental protection and damage to fetal tissues. This is dangerous by improper laying of tissues. In addition, the inflamed and pus-covered area of the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ releases special substances that can change the normal development of pregnancy and provoke the following complications:
- miscarriage;
- appearance of fetoplacental insufficiency;
- development of recurrent miscarriage;
- postpartum hemorrhage.
In order to avoid undesirable consequences, doctors recommend that women undergo a comprehensive examination of the body even at the stage of pregnancy planning. If necessary, it will be necessary to treat all identified diseases.
Postpartum endometritis
Postpartum endometritis in women occurs in the first week after the baby is born. It is most likely to appear during manual examination of the uterus, a long anhydrous period, or after a caesarean section. The severity of the disease can be:
- Mild when symptoms appear 5 to 12 days after delivery. The general condition of the woman practically does not worsen. There may be a slight increase in temperature, sorenessuterus on palpation.
- Medium. According to reviews, the symptoms of endometritis in women appear 2-7 days after childbirth. The temperature rises to 38-39 degrees, there is an ache in the muscles, pain in the lower abdomen is disturbing. Lochia with impurities of pus, accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
- Heavy. Symptoms of the disease develop on the next day of the postpartum period. The temperature rises to 40 degrees. The general condition is rapidly deteriorating: there is no appetite, headaches and sleep disturbance occur. Urine acquires a shade of dark beer, its excretion is reduced. Lochias have a putrid smell.
The postpartum form of the disease can occur both on its own and as a complication after pregnancy and childbirth.
Diagnostic Methods
When symptoms of uterine endometritis appear in a woman, you should immediately contact a gynecologist. Acute inflammation of the uterus is a rather dangerous condition. The sooner treatment is started, the higher the chances of a favorable outcome.
Diagnosis of the disease begins with a study of the patient's history. The doctor may ask a few clarifying questions about the regularity of menstruation, the presence of intrauterine interventions, previous births and abortions. Obligatory is the examination on the gynecological chair. In this case, the following signs of endometritis in women can be detected:
- womb enlargement;
- body seal;
- Sensitivity of the side walls on palpation.
Additionally, blood and urine tests are prescribed, a smear for microflora fromvagina, culture from the cervical canal, ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Based on the results of the examination, the gynecologist can judge the severity of the disease and prescribe treatment.
Therapy options
Treatment of endometritis in women after 40 years of age and up to this age is selected taking into account the microorganisms detected during the diagnosis. Its main task is to restore the affected layer of the uterus and reproduction.
At the first stage, antibiotics and immunomodulators are usually prescribed. The second uses metabolic therapy and various physiotherapy. In the case of a chronic course of the disease, procedures such as electrophoresis, impulsive ultrasound, magnetotherapy, etc. have proven themselves well.
Medication use
Treatment of the acute form of the disease is carried out in a hospital. For the entire period of therapy, bed rest, rest and quality sleep are recommended. In addition, you need to take multivitamins, stick to an easily digestible diet. After relief of symptoms, the patient is usually sent home under the supervision of a district gynecologist.
Drug therapy involves taking antibiotics. With endometritis in women, drugs are prescribed taking into account the identified pathogen. As a rule, cephalosporins are used. These are broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against most known pathogens. Cephalosporins are often combined with macrolides and other medications.
The duration of such therapy is 7-10 days. According to indications, antispasmodics can be prescribed andanalgesics. After antibiotics are finished, probiotics are recommended to restore the vaginal microflora.
Treatment of chronic endometritis in women also involves the appointment of antibiotics, but on an outpatient basis. If necessary, therapy is supplemented with hormonal agents, for example, in case of exacerbation of the pathology. The volume of measures depends on the nature of menstrual and generative disorders. Restoration of a full-fledged two-phase cycle is an indicator of the effectiveness of the therapy.
Physiotherapy prescription
Various physiotherapy treatments show good results in relieving symptoms and treating endometritis in women. We are talking about both the acute form of the disease and the chronic form. All procedures are carried out in a hospital setting. The following are recognized as the most effective:
- Magnetotherapy. The magnetic field acting on the body improves the reflex activity in the tissues. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to increase immunity, stop pain and inflammation. Sessions last for 10-15 minutes, and the entire course lasts from 10 to 20 days. During exposure, the patient may experience dizziness, which is a variant of the norm.
- Electrophoresis. Treatment is based on the application of current, which allows medicines to flow faster to the lesion. With its help, puffiness and inflammation can be eliminated in just 15 days of regular sessions.
Physiotherapy is indicated at any stage of the disease. With its acute formused only during the recovery phase. The main contraindications are: the period of pregnancy, the presence of malignant neoplasms in the body, exacerbation of pathology.
Features of hirudotherapy for endometritis
You can stop the symptoms of chronic endometritis in women with the help of hirudotherapy. This is an auxiliary treatment that is used in combination with the traditional one. The saliva of leeches contains antibacterial components that kill the infection, relieve inflammation well, and stimulate blood circulation.
Hirudotherapy also helps to prevent infertility, strengthen immunity and normalize hormonal levels. During treatment, leeches are placed on the lower abdomen and in the vagina. In about 30 minutes, they have time to get enough, after which they fall off on their own. The bite sites after the procedure are covered with a bandage and a sterile dressing. The course of treatment is usually 15 procedures.
Surgery
Surgical treatment of endometritis in women, according to doctors, is recommended after an abortion or complicated childbirth. In such cases, curettage of the uterine cavity is performed, during which the remnants of the fetal egg or placenta are removed. After the intervention, the woman is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, analgesics. Various physiotherapy procedures are shown to restore menstrual function.
Surgical treatment is also recommended in the presence of intrauterine adhesions. These are special strands that form in the cavity of the reproductive organ against the background of chronicinflammation. They interfere with the natural conception of a child, the normal course of pregnancy. Often cause constant pain in the lower abdomen. Intrauterine synechiae are separated during the operation. Today, laparoscopic interventions are increasingly used for this purpose.
Help of traditional medicine
Treatment of endometritis in women over 40 is often limited to alternative medicine prescriptions. However, this approach is incorrect, since it is possible to overcome the disease only with drugs or through surgery. Folk remedies are best used as an addition to the main course of therapy. Below are the most popular recipes:
- Sea buckthorn oil. To use it, you need to take a small piece of bandage, wrap a cotton pad in it. The resulting swab should be dipped in sea buckthorn oil. They put it on all night. The duration of application is no more than two weeks. Sea buckthorn oil helps relieve inflammation and heal tissues.
- Fern. To prepare a decoction, you need 20 g of raw materials, pour 280 ml of cold water, boil and strain. This remedy is recommended to take 70 ml 3-4 times a day. The duration of treatment is 10-15 days.
- Aloe. To prepare a healing tincture, mix 400 g of honey, the same amount of aloe juice and 0.5 liters of wine. The resulting product should be left in a warm place for about 2 weeks. The tincture should be taken at 20 g twice a day before meals.
How to treat endometritis in women and do itright, the gynecologist should tell after confirming the diagnosis and undergoing a comprehensive examination. Trying to eliminate the disease on your own with folk remedies is unacceptable. In addition, some prescriptions for endometritis have contraindications.
Complications and consequences
How long does a woman's endometritis treatment last? Both the symptoms and the presence of concomitant he alth problems, and the severity of the disease determine this factor. As a rule, this period takes from two weeks to several months. A severe form of the disease requires the use of a wide course of drugs, therefore it takes a lot of time. The situation is different with a mild variant of endometritis.
Inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus is a serious gynecological disease. Therefore, rehabilitation after the end of treatment also takes a certain period of time. Pathology is almost always accompanied by a violation of menstrual and reproductive functions. In especially serious cases, the infection spreads to neighboring organs. If a curettage was prescribed, recovery takes about 2-4 weeks. When the disease has developed for several years, rehabilitation can last up to six months.
When an acute form transforms into a chronic one, infertility and even purulent inflammation develop. The latter can spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes, which is very dangerous for he alth. If you do not deal with the relief of symptoms and the treatment of endometritis in women, according to doctors, the following complications develop over time:
- The appearance of adhesions in the fallopian tubes, preventing the advancement of spermatozoa to the egg.
- The formation of polyps that feed on the uterine vessels.
- Development of pyometra - accumulation of purulent secretion in the uterine cavity.
- Pelvioperitonitis is a process characterized by the penetration of pus into the small pelvis.
- Chronic infertility.
- Threatened miscarriage, including late pregnancy.
- Systematic violation of menstruation.
- Persistent pain in the lower abdomen.
- The occurrence of adenomyosis, when there is a germination of the endometrium into the myometrium.
What is endometritis in women, most of the fair sex will learn only after the progression of the disease. At this stage, it is quite difficult to prevent the occurrence of complications.
Prevention Methods
What is endometritis in women is described a little higher in the article. Is it possible to prevent its occurrence? Doctors give the following recommendations for the prevention of the disease:
- It is necessary to follow the basic rules of personal hygiene. Shower should be taken daily. During menstruation, it is recommended to change pads and tampons every 4 hours.
- Timely treat any infectious diseases, including the reproductive system. The presence of an infectious agent in the body several times increases the likelihood of developing chronic endometritis in women.
- Everyone knows what barrier contraceptives are. However, they resort to their help only in some cases. The best prevention for most gynecological diseases is the use of a condom during intimacy. Oral contraceptives offer no such guarantee.
- After an abortion, caesarean section and other interventions, it is necessary for some more time to be under the control of a gynecologist. Any complications during the recovery phase can provoke endometritis.
- Constantly engage in strengthening immunity. To this end, it is enough to eat right, avoid hypothermia, engage in feasible sports, give up addictions. By agreement with the doctor, you can take multivitamin complexes, especially during epidemics.
When following these recommendations, the risk of disease is reduced to almost zero. However, when the initial signs of inflammation of the reproductive organ appear (menstruation disturbance, pain in the lower abdomen), you should immediately contact a gynecologist and undergo an examination. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe treatment. Therapy of any disease at an early stage is the key to a quick recovery and the absence of negative he alth consequences.
