Endometritis

Definition:

An inflammation and/or irritation of the endometrium (lining of the uterus). (See also pelvic inflammatory disease.)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The usual cause of endometritis is infection. This includes chlamydial or gonococcal endometritis, frequently occurring among patients with salpingitis; tuberculous endometritis; purulent endometritis; and endometritis following instrumentation or surgery. Entrometritis may occur following childbirth; abortion (therapeutic, elective, or spontaneous--all of which can lead to septic abortion), or intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. Along with the above named gynecological procedures, other risk factors may include a history of acute salpingitis , acute cervicitis, and other pelvic infections including many of the STDs.