Endometritis & Fertility: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Introduction

Endometritis, a lesser-known but important cause of infertility in women, is one of the numerous underlying diseases that can affect fertility issues. Endometritis is curable, however because of its modest symptoms or comorbidity with other reproductive diseases, it may go untreated.

The first step to reproductive wellness, in our opinion at Shubha Fertility Center, which has been named the Best Fertility Hospital in LB Nagar, Hyderabad, is awareness. We go into great detail in this blog about endometritis, including what it is, how to spot it, and how it can affect your chances of getting pregnant, particularly if you use assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

What Is Endometritis?

The inflammation of the endometrium, the uterine lining, is known as endometritis. It is typically brought on by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection and can be either acute (sudden and short-term) or chronic (long-lasting).

Because endometritis develops inside the uterus as opposed to outside, as in endometriosis, it poses a direct risk to implantation and the result of pregnancy if treatment is not received.

Why Awareness Matters

• It is often asymptomatic, especially in chronic cases.
• Can silently affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
• May interfere with embryo implantation during IVF.
• With timely diagnosis and treatment, the condition is usually curable and fertility can be restored.

Causes of Endometritis

The inflammation in endometritis usually arises when bacteria enter the uterus, commonly through:

1. Postpartum Infections

After childbirth, especially a C-section or if there was a retained placenta, the uterus becomes more vulnerable to bacterial entry and infection.

2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can ascend from the cervix to the uterus, causing endometritis if not treated promptly.

3. Medical Procedures

Procedures like:

• D&C (Dilation & Curettage)
• Hysteroscopy
• Insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Can introduce bacteria if aseptic precautions aren’t followed.

4. Other Risk Factors

• Miscarriage or abortion
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Prolonged labor or premature rupture of membranes
• Tuberculosis (in rare cases)

Symptoms of Endometritis

Symptoms vary between acute and chronic endometritis:

Acute Endometritis Symptoms

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (often foul-smelling)
• Fever and chills
• Pain during intercourse
• General fatigue or malaise

Chronic Endometritis Symptoms

• Irregular or heavy periods
• Spotting between cycles
• Infertility or repeated IVF failure
• Mild pelvic discomfort
• Sometimes completely asymptomatic

Diagnosis of Endometritis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial, especially in fertility planning. At Shubha Fertility Center, we follow a step-by-step diagnostic approach:

• Pelvic examination to check for tenderness
• Ultrasound scan to detect fluid or thickened endometrial lining
• Endometrial biopsy (gold standard) to check for inflammatory cells
• Microbial cultures to identify infectious organisms
• Blood tests to detect elevated white cell counts or markers of infection

In chronic cases, hysteroscopy (a visual inspection of the uterus) may be advised to check for subtle changes in the lining

Treatment Options

Once diagnosed, endometritis is usually treatable, and timely intervention helps prevent complications—especially related to fertility.

1. Antibiotic Therapy

• First-line treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics (oral or IV), depending on the severity.
• In chronic cases, a longer course of antibiotics may be needed.
• Antibiotics may also be extended to partners if the cause is STI-related.

2. Hospitalization

• Severe infections with high fever or if there are complications like sepsis may require in-patient care and IV antibiotics.
• This is more common in postpartum or post-surgical infections.

3. Follow-Up Care

• Repeat ultrasound or endometrial biopsy may be done after treatment to ensure infection clearance.
• If fertility treatment is being considered, tests will confirm whether the endometrial lining is receptive and healthy.

Is There an Impact on Fertility?

Yes—endometritis can significantly impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. Here’s how:

• Chronic inflammation interferes with embryo implantation
• May lead to poor endometrial receptivity, affecting IVF outcomes
• Causes abnormal uterine environment, which may lead to miscarriages
• Increases risk of ectopic pregnancy or intrauterine adhesions (Asherman’s Syndrome)
• Affects sperm motility and survival in the uterus

Fortunately, once treated, most women experience restored fertility and improved outcomes during assisted reproductive procedures.

Preventive Tips

While not all causes of endometritis can be controlled, some steps can significantly lower your risk:

• Practice safe sex to prevent STIs
• Ensure proper hygiene post-childbirth or medical procedures
• Choose trusted clinics like Shubha Fertility for IUD insertions or fertility treatments
• Don’t delay treatment for abnormal discharge, pain, or irregular bleeding
• Avoid self-medication or unregulated abortions
• Complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed

FAQs

1. Can endometritis be asymptomatic?

Yes, chronic endometritis is often asymptomatic, making it harder to detect without specific diagnostic tests—especially in women facing unexplained infertility.

2. Is endometritis the same as endometriosis?

No, they are different. Endometritis is inflammation inside the uterus caused by infection, while endometriosis is when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. However, both can lead to fertility issues.

3. How does endometritis affect IVF treatments?

Chronic endometritis can:

• Reduce implantation rates
• Cause repeated IVF failure
• Create a hostile uterine environment for embryo development

Treating endometritis before IVF has shown improved pregnancy outcomes.

Why Choose Shubha Fertility Center?

At Shubha Fertility Center, we are committed to addressing both obvious and hidden causes of infertility. Our approach combines clinical excellence with emotional support to help every woman feel heard, healed, and hopeful.

Why We Are the Best Fertility Hospital in LB Nagar, Hyderabad:

• Expert gynecologists and fertility specialists
• In-house diagnostics and advanced imaging
• Focus on root-cause-based fertility treatment
• Comprehensive care before, during, and after conception
• Ethical, transparent, and affordable services
• Personalized IVF and IUI planning
• Highest hygiene and infection control standards

Conclusion

Despite its quiet nature, endometritis can have a profound and life-changing effect on fertility. A woman's path to pregnancy can be greatly impacted by identifying the signs, obtaining an early diagnosis, and getting the right care. At Shubha reproduction Center, we provide you with the greatest medical care while assisting you in identifying the underlying obstacles to reproduction, such as endometritis.

Endometritis may be the missing piece if you've experienced infertility that cannot be explained, irregular bleeding, or repeated implantation failures.

Make an appointment for a consultation at Hyderabad's Best Fertility Hospital in LB Nagar right now.

Visit www.shubhafertility.in to schedule your appointment.