Uterine Infection - Symptom & Treatment

Uterine Infection in the uterus used to be the classic cause of puerperal fever and a uterine infection caused by the haemolytic streptococcus was a dreaded disease before the introduction of sulphonamides and penicillin. Today this particular infection is not only rare but controllable. It is nevertheless true that uterine infections do occasionally happen to women who are looked after by the most modern and up-to-date techniques.

There is nothing very sinister or serious about any of these symptoms, but they will be noted by the midwife, who will suspect that there is an infection if the uterus is slightly tender on palpation and movement. A swab is taken and sent to the laboratory for bacteriological culture and isolation of the organism to find its antibiotic sensitivities. The doctor is notified and the woman examined and given an antibiotic to control the infection.

Symptoms of Uterine Infection

The uterus may become infected by a variety of bacteria: the signs and symptoms vary according to the organism concerned and the severity of the infection. The first sign is usually that the lochia becomes slightly offensive, perhaps more profuse and brighter in colour than previously. The uterus may be slightly tender or the woman may become aware of -lower abdominal discomfort which is more marked on one side than on the other. The temperature and probably the pulse are slightly raised. Here is the list of some of of the common sign and symptoms of uterine infection:

• infertility or recurrent miscarriage.
• Adhesions may also cause periods to stop or become very light or infrequent.
• Asherman's syndrome may also be accompanied by pelvic pain or painful menstrual periods if the adhesions block blood from leaving the cervix.

Causes of Uterine Infection

One of the commonest causes of a uterine infection is the presence with-inthe uterus of some products of conception, such as a small portion of the placenta which failed to be delivered with the majority of the placenta during the third stage of labour. Any foreign body in the uterine cavity forms an ideal culture for bacteria and the possibility of some retained products of conception must always be considered, especially if the infection is accompanied by some bleeding. An ultrasound scan will show if there are any retained products of conception within the uterus. The cause of uterine leiomyomas is unknown, but some factors implicated as regulators of leiomyoma growth include:

• several growth factors, including epidermal growth factor
• steroid hormones, including estrogen and progesterone
• growth factors.

Diagnosiss of Uterine Infection

Diagnosis of uterine infection may be based on:

• Adhesions are usually diagnosed with hysterosalpingography
• clinical findings (enlarged uterus) and patient history suggesting uterine leiomyomas
• blood studies showing anemia from abnormal bleeding (may support the diagnosis)
• bimanual examination showing enlarged, firm, non tender, and irregularly contoured uterus (also seen with adenomyosis and other pelvic abnormalities)
• ultrasound for accurate assessment of the dimension, number, and location of tumors
• magnetic resonance imaging (especially sensitive to fibroid imaging).

Prevention Tips

• Inquire the doctor about prophylactic antibiotics, which may reduce the risk of adhesions forming.
• patient would report abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain immediately.
• Reassure the patient that she won't experience premature menopause if her ovaries are left intact.
• In a patient with severe anemia due to excessive bleeding, administer iron
• Supplements and blood transfusions, as ordered.
• Encourage the patient to verbalize her feelings and concerns related to the disease process and its effects on her lifestyle.