Metrit

Metritis: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Metritis: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Understanding metritis: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Metritis is an inflammatory disease of the uterine mucosa that most often occurs as a result of infection. Clinical manifestations of metritis include a rise in body temperature, pain in the lower abdomen, abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, and abnormal discharges from the genital tract. The causes of metritis may include the action of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, as well as internal factors, such as abnormalities in the structure of the uterus or immunodeficiency states.

The treatment of metritis is based on antibiotic therapy to combat the infection, as well as symptomatic therapy to relieve unpleasant symptoms. In the case of complications or a chronic course of the disease, surgical intervention may be required to remove the affected areas of the uterus or other measures to normalize the condition. It is important to seek medical help at the first signs of metritis for timely diagnosis and competent treatment.

Pathogenesis of metritis

Metritis, an inflammatory disease of the endometrium of the uterus, usually develops as a result of a bacterial infection. The main causes are the ascending spread of bacteria from the vagina to the uterus, infection after abortion or childbirth, as well as processes that contribute to a decrease in the body’s immunity, such as stress or prolonged use of antibiotics. As a result of the activation of pathogenic microorganisms, an inflammatory reaction occurs in the endometrium, leading to characteristic clinical manifestations and the need for specific treatment.

  • Bacterial infection: the main cause of metritis development, usually caused by anaerobic or aerobic bacteria, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli.
  • Ascending spread of bacteria: the infection can penetrate the uterus from the vagina, especially during procedures or childbirth, even with minor damage to the endometrium.
  • Infection after abortion or childbirth: after abortive procedures or childbirth, it is possible for the infection to be introduced into the uterus through the cervical canal.
  • Decreased immunity: factors such as stress, prolonged use of antibiotics, or other reasons that contribute to the weakening of the body’s defense mechanisms increase the risk of developing metritis.
  • Inflammatory response in the endometrium: bacteria entering the endometrium trigger an immune system response, leading to inflammation and changes in the uterine tissue.

Clinical manifestations of metritis

In metritis, patients may experience a variety of clinical manifestations, including discharge from the genital tract, increased body temperature, lower abdominal pain, and menstrual cycle disruptions. General symptoms of body intoxication, such as weakness, headache, and nausea, may also be observed. The diagnosis of metritis is based on medical history, clinical manifestations, and laboratory studies, which allows for the determination of treatment strategies and the prevention of complications.

  • Vaginal Discharge: usually characterized by an increase and a change in the consistency of vaginal discharge, possibly with the presence of pus.
  • Elevated Body Temperature: the inflammatory process in the uterus is often accompanied by hyperthermia, which is one of the key signs of metritis.
  • Abdominal Pain: pain can vary in intensity but is usually heavy and dull, intensifying upon palpation of the abdomen.
  • Menstrual Cycle Disorders: metritis can cause abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, such as delays or excessive bleeding.
  • Symptoms of Intoxication: include weakness, headache, nausea, decreased appetite, and possibly increased pulse and respiration.

Expert opinion on the treatment of metritis

In the treatment of metritis, experts typically recommend a comprehensive approach, including antibiotic therapy to eliminate the infection’s causative agent, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and symptoms, as well as immunomodulators to strengthen the body’s protective functions. It is important to adopt an individualized approach for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of the disease, the presence of complications, and factors affecting immunity.

The use of physiotherapy may also be recommended by experts to improve blood circulation in the uterine tissues, accelerate the healing process, and reduce pain syndrome. Patients with metritis may also require monitoring by a gynecologist to control the dynamics of the disease and adjust the treatment strategy if necessary.

Methods of diagnosing metritis

Diagnosis of metritis involves a set of methods aimed at determining and identifying inflammatory processes in the uterine endometrium. Key diagnostic methods include a clinical examination of the patient, including the collection of medical history and analysis of complaints, as well as laboratory and instrumental studies. Laboratory diagnostics include blood tests, smears from the cervical canal, and cultures of microorganisms to identify the causative agent of the infection. Instrumental methods include ultrasound examination of the pelvis to detect changes in the endometrium and the structure of the uterus, which allows for accurate diagnosis of metritis and determination of the treatment strategy.

  • Clinical examination: the doctor conducts an examination of the patient, collects medical history, and analyzes complaints to identify possible signs of metritis.
  • Blood laboratory analysis: performed to assess the level of inflammation and exclude other pathologies that may mimic the clinical picture of metritis.
  • Cervical smears: allow for laboratory detection of the presence of infectious agents in the genital tract.
  • Microorganism culture: conducted to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics for selecting the most effective treatment.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound examination: allows for detection of changes in the structure of the uterus and endometrium, which assists in the diagnosis of metritis and planning of treatment.

Comprehensive treatment of metritis

The treatment of metritis usually involves a comprehensive therapy that includes antibiotics to combat the infectious agent, as well as anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the body’s inflammatory response. Additionally, probiotics may be prescribed to restore the vaginal microbiome and measures aimed at strengthening the body’s immune system.

Moreover, in some cases, surgical intervention may be required, for example, to remove purulent contents from the uterus or an abscess. It is important to individualize treatment measures depending on the severity of clinical manifestations, the presence of complications, and the characteristics of each clinical case of metritis.

  • Antibiotic therapy: the use of antibiotics to destroy the pathogens of the infection and prevent its spread.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: the use of medications aimed at reducing inflammation and alleviating pain syndrome.
  • Probiotics: the prescription of probiotics to restore the vaginal microbiota and prevent recurrent infections.
  • Immunomodulators: the use of agents to strengthen the immune system and enhance its resistance to infections.
  • Surgical treatment: performing surgical interventions in cases of complications, such as abscesses, to remove purulent content and restore the health of the uterus.

Prevention measures for metritis

Prevention of metritis includes a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of inflammatory processes in the endometrium of the uterus. One of the key aspects is adhering to hygiene rules for the genital organs, regular hygienic treatment of the vagina, and preventing possible infections. It is also important to promptly consult a doctor when any changes occur in the menstrual cycle, discharge, or lower abdominal pain, which can reduce the risk of developing metritis.

To prevent metritis, it is also important to lead a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, maintaining an active lifestyle, and avoiding stressful situations. Regular medical check-ups and examinations will help to detect problems in time and take the necessary measures to prevent them, which contributes to maintaining the health of the female reproductive system.

  • Hygiene of the genital area: regular hygienic treatment of the vagina helps prevent the development of infections.
  • Choosing the right hygiene products: using gentle hypoallergenic intimate hygiene products supports a healthy vaginal microflora.
  • Balanced diet: a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins helps maintain the body’s immune system and strengthen protective functions.
  • Active lifestyle: regular physical exercise promotes better circulation, which can help prevent inflammatory processes in the body.
  • Timely medical check-ups: regular visits to the doctor and examinations help detect problems at early stages and take measures to prevent them.

Interesting aspects of metritis

Metritis, despite its relatively frequent occurrence in women, remains a less studied disease compared to some other gynecological pathologies. An interesting feature of metritis is that its development can be prevented by relying on knowledge of preventive measures and warning of possible causes that contribute to its onset. In addition, the symptoms of metritis can vary depending on the intensity of the inflammatory process, which requires an individualized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

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