Does antibiotic treatment for pelvic infection treat endometritis?

Endometritis is infection or inflammation of the lining of the womb. It can occur after childbirth, a caesarean birth, a miscarriage, an abortion or a procedure involving the womb. Possible features include fever, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, tenderness and feeling unwell. Treatment depends on how ill you are, the likely source of infection and whether treatment needs to begin in hospital.

Arrange medical review if endometritis is suspected rather than treating yourself with an old prescription. Take the medicine exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course unless your clinician changes it. Tell the clinician if you are breastfeeding, have medicine allergies, have recently taken antibiotics or cannot keep tablets down. Improvement should be checked if symptoms continue or return.

Get urgent help for a high fever, severe or worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, fast breathing or marked weakness. After delivery or a procedure, worsening symptoms can signal an infection that is spreading or needs intravenous treatment.

Ask what may have caused the infection, whether you need an examination or tests, how soon symptoms should improve, and whether your baby or partner needs any specific advice.