Endometritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Endometritis?
An OB-GYN, a doctor for pregnancy and the female reproductive system, usually treats endometritis. A fertility specialist may help if you have trouble getting pregnant. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is endometritis?
Endometritis is swelling, called inflammation, of the endometrium. That is the inner lining of the uterus. It is commonly caused by infection. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman's womb (uterus), ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
Doctors group it into three types. Acute endometritis (not tied to pregnancy) is an infection present for 30 days or less. Chronic endometritis is mild inflammation that lasts 30 days or more. The postpartum type is acute and follows pregnancy. It is the most common infection after childbirth.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type. Acute endometritis can cause sudden pelvic pain, pain during sex, and vaginal discharge.
Chronic endometritis often causes no symptoms. If symptoms appear, they may be unusual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, or vaginal discharge.
After childbirth, it may show up as:
- Fever after a recent delivery or miscarriage
- A tender uterus and significant lower belly pain
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Feeling unwell, headache, and chills
Causes and who gets it
It mostly happens when germs from the cervix and vagina move up into the uterus. In acute endometritis, most infections come from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chlamydia is the most common cause. Gonorrhea is next.
The cause of chronic cases is often unknown. Possible triggers include an IUD (a birth control device in the uterus), polyps, or fibroids. Genital tuberculosis (TB) can also cause it.
After childbirth, it often follows a cesarean delivery (C-section). It is 5 to 20 times more common after a cesarean than after a vaginal delivery. Other risks include a long labor or a long time with a broken water sac.
Acute cases are more likely if you are under 25, have had an STI, or have had more than one partner.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors diagnose the acute and postpartum types from your history, an exam, and risk factors. Your provider may do a pelvic exam. A swab of the vagina or cervix can be tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other germs.
Chronic cases often have no symptoms. Doctors usually need a tissue sample from the uterus lining to confirm it.
Treatment
All types are treated with antibiotics. Finish all of your antibiotics. This is very important.
For mild PID, your provider gives you a shot of an antibiotic and sends you home with antibiotic pills to take for up to 2 weeks. If you have more severe PID, you may need to stay in the hospital and get antibiotics through a vein (IV). You should start to feel better within 3 days. If not, tell your provider.
Most people with the postpartum type get antibiotics through a vein. Chronic cases are treated with antibiotics too. Genital TB needs TB medicines. Surgery may be needed if a pocket of fluid has to be drained.
If an STI caused the infection, your sexual partner must be treated too. Do not have sex until treatment is done. Wait until your symptoms are gone and your partners are treated.
Acute endometritis with PID can lead to infertility, long-term pelvic pain, or ectopic pregnancy (an egg growing outside the uterus).
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of PID or think you were exposed to an STI. Tell your provider quickly if you have a fever after childbirth or a miscarriage. Early diagnosis is key.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have confusion or other sudden changes in mental state, trouble breathing, fainting, or severe belly pain or pressure.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can hear your symptoms and do a first exam. They can arrange swabs and blood tests. They can refer you to an OB-GYN and help with follow-up care.
Common questions
Is endometritis the same as pelvic inflammatory disease?
Not exactly. Endometritis is swelling of the uterus lining. PID is an infection of the womb, ovaries, or tubes. Acute endometritis is seen as part of PID. The treatment is the same.
Can antibiotics treat endometritis?
Yes, antibiotics are the treatment for all types. Mild cases may be treated at home. Severe cases may need antibiotics through a vein in the hospital.
Can endometritis affect fertility?
It can, depending on the type. Acute endometritis alone is not linked to lower fertility. But a tube infection often comes with it. Scarring there can cause infertility. Chronic endometritis is linked to repeated pregnancy loss and infertility.
Can endometritis be prevented?
Not always, but you can lower your risk. Get prompt treatment for STIs and practice safer sex. Doctors give antibiotics before a C-section to lower infection risk.
Sources
- NCBI Bookshelf (StatPearls) - Endometritis
- MedlinePlus - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - STI Treatment Guidelines
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
