In most cases, you’ll feel better after you finish your antibiotics. The infection and inflammation usually goes away after treatment.

Prevention

What are risk factors for endometritis?

You may be at higher risk for endometritis if you recently gave birth or had a procedure involving your cervix. Some examples of procedures are:

Dilation and curettage (D&C).
Dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Endometrial biopsy (taking tissue from your uterine lining for testing).
Hysteroscopy.
Childbirth (especially if you have an infection during labor, prolonged rupture of membranes or are positive for Group B strep).
Placement of an IUD (intrauterine device).

Some people get endometritis from douching or inserting other objects into their vagina.

Preventing endometritis

Since untreated STIs often cause endometritis, the best prevention is to:

Follow safe sex practices (use condoms).
Treat STIs promptly.
Get regular screenings for STIs.
Encourage your sexual partners to get regular screenings for STIs.

People having a C-section should have antibiotics before the procedure to prevent infection.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of endometritis, especially if you’ve recently had any of the following procedures or life events:

You’ve given birth.
You’ve had a miscarriage.
You’ve had an abortion.
An IUD was inserted into your uterus.
You’ve had surgery on your uterus or cervix.

Additional Common Questions

What is the difference between endometritis and endometriosis?

Endometritis and endometriosis are two different conditions. Both conditions affect the inner lining of your uterus (endometrium). Endometriosis is when pieces of your uterine lining develop in places other than the uterus, like your ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometritis is inflammation of the lining of the uterus.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Endometritis is a condition that causes inflammation to the lining of your uterus. It’s caused by bacterial infections after surgical procedures, childbirth or from sexually transmitted infections. Getting endometritis after a surgical procedure is typically beyond your control. However, you can reduce your risk for getting endometritis by using condoms during sex. Let your healthcare provider know if you have irregular bleeding or discharge, fever or pelvic pain. They can diagnose endometritis and prescribe antibiotics.

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Experts You Can Trust

Medically Reviewed.Last updated on 10/25/2022.

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References

Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.

Experts You Can Trust

Medically Reviewed.Last updated on 10/25/2022.

References

Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.

Mackeen AD, Packard RE, Ota E, Speer L. Antibiotic regimens for postpartum endometritis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7050613/). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD001067. Accessed 10/25/2022.
Merck Manuals. Postpartum Endometritis (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/postpartum-care-and-associated-disorders/postpartum-endometritis). Accessed 10/25/2022.
Taylor M, Pillarisetty LS. Endometritis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553124/). 2021 Apr 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Accessed 10/25/2022.