Antibiotics for a uterus infection: what to know

Treatment may involve more than one antibiotic when several types of bacteria could be involved. A clinician may also need to check for retained pregnancy tissue, an abscess, or another problem that antibiotics alone cannot resolve.

Infection can affect the lining of the uterus and may occur after childbirth, miscarriage, an abortion procedure, or another procedure involving the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease can also involve the uterus alongside the cervix, fallopian tubes, or nearby tissues.

Possible features include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, unusual or unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge, unexpected bleeding, and feeling generally unwell. These symptoms have other possible causes, so an examination and sometimes urine, blood, vaginal, or cervical tests help guide treatment.

Take the prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed and complete the course unless the treating clinician changes it. Do not use leftover tablets or another person's prescription: the medicine may not cover the likely bacteria, and the dose may be unsuitable.

Tell the clinician about pregnancy or breastfeeding, medicine allergies, recent antibiotics, kidney or liver problems, and all current medicines. If a sexually transmitted infection is suspected, testing and treatment of sexual partners may be needed; avoid sexual contact until the clinician says it is appropriate. Attend any arranged follow-up, especially if symptoms are not clearly improving.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or marked weakness. Fever or chills with pelvic symptoms also deserve prompt assessment, particularly after childbirth, miscarriage, or a uterine procedure.

Get immediate help for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, or breathing difficulty after an antibiotic. Contact the prescriber promptly if symptoms worsen, a new rash appears, severe diarrhoea develops, or doses cannot be kept down.

Ask what part of the reproductive tract appears infected, whether samples were taken, and when results might change the prescription. Clarify how to take each medicine, which side effects need attention, whether a procedure or scan is needed, and when you should be reassessed.