What tests are done to diagnose endometritis?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 29, 2024
00:00
00:00

Endometritis is generally definitively diagnosed by undergoing a diagnostic curettage at the hospital, where material is scraped and then sent for pathological examination to confirm the presence of endometritis. Clinically, the diagnosis of endometritis is mostly based on a combination of clinical symptoms and gynecological ultrasound examination. Patients with endometritis typically experience abdominal pain during menstruation, lower abdominal pain, and an unusual odor during their period. At such times, anti-inflammatory medication can be administered symptomatically. Most pelvic cases are considered to be anaerobic bacterial infections, thus medications targeting anaerobic bacteria can be used for symptomatic treatment. Therefore, while the definitive diagnosis of endometritis is established through diagnostic curettage, this procedure is invasive, and in most clinical cases, it is not performed. If endometritis is initially suspected, it is generally assessed through gynecological internal examination, ultrasound, and the patient's clinical manifestations and symptoms, followed by symptomatic treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
46sec home-news-image

How is endometritis diagnosed?

When suspecting endometritis in women, the first step is to inquire about the medical history. Most women exhibit abnormalities in their menstrual cycle, and some only show changes in the amount of menstruation. Ultrasound examination of the reproductive system shows no organic lesions, and the hormone panel is normal. During a gynecological examination, tenderness in the uterine body may be observed. Sometimes, ultrasound examination suggests that the endometrium is thin and uneven. Performing a hysteroscopy, localized hyperemia and edema of the endometrium can be seen, and diagnostic curettage plays a certain role in diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
56sec home-news-image

How long does endometritis bleed?

Women experience bleeding due to inflammation of the endometrium, mainly when inflammation occurs, the endometrium becomes congested, edematous, more fragile, and less stable. There is infiltration of inflammatory cells in the endometrium, which may also lead to abnormalities in coagulation function. The extent of lesions varies from person to person, leading to differences in the duration and amount of bleeding. For example, some women may only experience changes in the amount of menstruation, such as increased menstrual flow or prolonged periods lasting over eight days, typically without any bleeding. Others may experience irregular vaginal bleeding, where there is constant, light spotting.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
44sec home-news-image

Does endometritis affect pregnancy?

When endometritis occurs, it affects a woman's ability to become pregnant normally. This is because endometritis causes abnormalities in a woman's menstrual cycle and vaginal discharge. If the endometrium is not actively treated, it can easily progress to chronic endometritis. Recurrent episodes can lead to adhesions, contractions, and narrowing of the uterine cavity, all of which can impact pregnancy. Even if fertilization occurs between the sperm and egg, forming a zygote, if the inflammation persists and is not well managed, it can also easily lead to miscarriage. Therefore, it is crucial to actively treat endometritis when it occurs.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 17sec home-news-image

What tests are done to diagnose endometritis?

Endometritis is generally definitively diagnosed by undergoing a diagnostic curettage at the hospital, where material is scraped and then sent for pathological examination to confirm the presence of endometritis. Clinically, the diagnosis of endometritis is mostly based on a combination of clinical symptoms and gynecological ultrasound examination. Patients with endometritis typically experience abdominal pain during menstruation, lower abdominal pain, and an unusual odor during their period. At such times, anti-inflammatory medication can be administered symptomatically. Most pelvic cases are considered to be anaerobic bacterial infections, thus medications targeting anaerobic bacteria can be used for symptomatic treatment. Therefore, while the definitive diagnosis of endometritis is established through diagnostic curettage, this procedure is invasive, and in most clinical cases, it is not performed. If endometritis is initially suspected, it is generally assessed through gynecological internal examination, ultrasound, and the patient's clinical manifestations and symptoms, followed by symptomatic treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
56sec home-news-image

Can you get pregnant with endometritis?

Under normal circumstances, it is possible to become pregnant when suffering from inflammation of the endometrium. However, if an infection occurs due to the inflammation of the endometrium, it may affect the implantation of the fertilized egg. Therefore, during normal pregnancy, implantation might lead to poor embryonic development or cause a miscarriage. Therefore, once endometritis is confirmed, it is necessary to treat it promptly. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be administered systematically before attempting to conceive normally. During pregnancy, it is also vital to closely monitor the condition of the endometrium. If continuous thickening of the endometrium occurs, it is crucial to take oral medication promptly to preserve the pregnancy and provide symptomatic treatment. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)