Inflammation in the uterus: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Inflammation in the uterus is irritation of the uterine tissues, which can cause symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, yellowish discharge or vaginal bleeding during intimate contact and, sometimes, cause difficulty in getting pregnant.

Typically, inflammation in the uterus occurs due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. However, it can also be caused by allergies to products and inadequate intimate hygiene, being more common in young women and after changing sexual partners.

If inflammation in the uterus is suspected, it is important to consult a gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis, identify the cause and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may involve medication, such as antibiotics and antifungals, and surgery, in some cases.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of inflammation in the uterus are:

• Yellowish, brown or gray discharge with a bad smell;
• Vaginal bleeding during or after intimate contact;
• Vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period;
• Pain in the lower part of the belly;
• Pain when urinating;
• Discomfort during intimate contact;
• Fever.

The pain tends to get worse when touching the abdomen and can sometimes appear below the ribs on the right side, being stronger when the woman moves or breathes.

However, the symptoms of inflammation in the uterus can sometimes be difficult to notice or even go unnoticed. Furthermore, the symptoms may also be similar to those of other diseases such as fibroids or ovarian inflammation. Know the symptoms of ovarian inflammation.

Inflammation in the uterus and pregnancy

Inflammation in the uterus can cause difficulty getting pregnant, especially when it affects the fallopian tubes. Furthermore, although it does not interfere with the development of the fetus, if it occurred during pregnancy, it can lead to complications such as miscarriage when not treated properly.

Causes of inflammation in the uterus

The main causes of inflammation in the uterus are:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)such as gonorrhea, chlamydia;
• Bacterial vaginosisdue to the multiplication of bacteria that are normally found in the vagina, but without causing disease;
• Poor hygiene of the intimate regionwhich can allow the multiplication of microorganisms that can cause diseases;
• Use of inappropriate products for intimate hygieneespecially the use of inappropriate intimate soaps and perfumed products, which can alter the vaginal pH and encourage the growth of microorganisms;
• Traumadue to the introduction of objects, such as condoms and tampons, or surgical instruments into the vagina;
• Allergydue to the material of condoms and diaphragms, for example, or chemicals such as spermicides.

Furthermore, inflammation in the uterus is more common in women under 25 years of age and in cases of changing sexual partners or having multiple partners, intimate relationships without a condom and a history of STIs or inflammation in the uterus.

Inflammation in the uterus can sometimes be confused with other diseases, such as endometriosis or adenomyosis, and it is important to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and begin the most appropriate treatment. Learn about other diseases of the uterus.

Can inflammation in the uterus turn into cancer?

If inflammation in the uterus is caused by the HPV virus and treatment is not carried out correctly, it is possible for the inflammation to become cervical cancer. Check out the symptoms of cervical cancer.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment of inflammation in the uterus depends on the identified cause and may involve measures such as improving intimate hygiene and avoiding irritating products, and using medications such as antibiotics and antifungals, in the form of tablets or ointments, for example.

In more serious cases, especially in pregnant women and if the infection leads to the accumulation of pus in the abdomen, treatment may need to be carried out in the hospital and injection of antibiotics into a vein or surgery may be indicated. Find out how inflammation in the uterus is treated.

Sometimes, treatment of sexual partners may also be indicated, and it is important to avoid intimate contact until the end of the treatment, to ensure that the microorganisms are eliminated and prevent the inflammation from returning.

Homemade options

To complement the treatment of inflammation in the uterus, it is recommended to avoid intimate contact during treatment, drink plenty of fluids and increase the consumption of foods rich in omega-3, such as salmon and sardines, which promote the healing of inflammation. Check out more home treatment options for inflammation in the uterus.