Puerperal Endometritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies
List of pertinent information to the keyword ‘puerperal endometritis’:
1. Postpartum endometritis is an infection of the lining of the womb.
2. It can occur up to six weeks after childbirth.
3. Risk is higher for caesarean section births.
4. Common between the second and tenth day after delivery.
5. Occurs in 1-3 out of every 100 women who have had a normal delivery.
6. More common in women who have had a caesarean section.
7. Risk factors include long labors, membranes breaking before birth, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, difficulty removing the placenta, multiple internal examinations during labor, infection in the genital area, past history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), bacterial vaginosis (BV), Group B streptococcus infection, HIV infection, obesity, diabetes, and delivery in circumstances of poor hygiene.
8. Symptoms include fever, lower tummy pain, smelly discharge from the vagina, increased bleeding from the vagina, pain during sex, pain during urination, and general feeling of being unwell.
9. Diagnosis is usually based on typical symptoms and signs, and tests are usually not necessary.
10. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics, commonly clindamycin and gentamicin.
11. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and potentially lead to sepsis.
12. Complications are rare when treated with antibiotics.
13. Most women recover quickly with antibiotics, typically within 2-3 days.
14. Women undergoing caesarean section are offered antibiotics beforehand to reduce the likelihood of infection.
15. Antibiotics are also given during labor if the woman has Group B streptococcus in her vagina to protect both her and the newborn baby from infections caused by this germ.