What should you know about endometritis hysteroscopy?

Endometritis is inflammation or infection of the lining of the womb. It may occur after childbirth, a pregnancy-related procedure, an operation, or an infection that travels upward from the cervix. Hysteroscopy uses a slim camera passed through the vagina and cervix to view the womb cavity. It may help identify another explanation for bleeding, tissue changes, or fertility concerns, and can sometimes allow a sample or treatment during the same procedure. It does not replace assessment for infection, and an active infection may affect whether it is appropriate to proceed.

Arrange a gynaecology assessment if you have ongoing pelvic discomfort, unusual bleeding, fever, or discharge. Tell the clinician about recent birth, miscarriage, insertion of an intrauterine device, pelvic procedure, allergies, and medicines. If endometritis is suspected, treatment may involve antibiotics selected for the likely source or test results; take the prescribed course exactly as directed. Avoid inserting anything into the vagina or having sex if your clinician advises this while infection is being treated. Ask what preparation, anaesthesia, sampling, and follow-up would apply if hysteroscopy is recommended.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening lower-abdominal pain, fever with chills, faintness, confusion, repeated vomiting, heavy vaginal bleeding, or feeling markedly unwell. After a hysteroscopy, urgent review is also needed for increasing pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or bleeding that is heavier than your clinician described. These symptoms can signal infection or another complication and should not be judged by how common the symptom is.

What findings make you suspect endometritis rather than another cause? Do I need antibiotics before any hysteroscopy? Will you take a sample, and when will results be available? What symptoms after the procedure should prompt a same-day call?