Inflammation in the uterus: symptoms, causes and treatment

Inflammation in the uterus corresponds to irritation of the uterine tissues that occurs mainly due to infection by microorganisms such as Candida sp., Chlamydia sp. or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but it can also be due to product allergies, pH changes due to lack or excess of hygiene or injuries in the region.

Inflammation in the uterus can cause symptoms such as discharge, bleeding outside menstruation, colic-like pain and a feeling of swollen uterus, however, in most cases, the inflammation does not lead to the onset of symptoms and therefore the diagnosis is made late, resulting in the worsening of the disease.

The diagnosis is confirmed by the gynecologist through a pap smear or a test called colposcopy, in which the presence of signs of inflammation is observed and material can be collected for analysis. The treatment is usually done with pills or ointment, which can be antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, for example.

Main symptoms

Although most of the time the inflammation of the uterus does not lead to the appearance of signs and symptoms, when they appear they are:

• Yellowish, brown or gray discharge with a bad smell; Bleeding during or after intimate contact; Bleeding outside the menstrual period; Pain when urinating and during intimate contact; Pain in the lower belly; Feeling of bloating in the lower belly or uterus.

However, it is important to remember that these symptoms may also be present in other diseases of the uterus, such as fibroids or uterine polyps, for example. See more about uterine diseases.

In addition, pain when urinating and abdominal pain can also be signs of inflammation in the ovaries, which is usually associated with bacteria and which can affect one or both ovaries. Learn how to identify ovarian inflammation and how to treat it.

Inflammation in the uterus and pregnancy

Inflammation in the uterus makes it difficult for women to become pregnant by preventing the embryo from implanting in the wall of the uterus and developing. However, when it occurs already during pregnancy, it usually does not interfere with the development of the fetus, if treated properly, but when left untreated it can lead to complications such as abortion.

Causes of inflammation in the uterus

The causes of inflammation in the uterus include:

• Presence of sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or HPV; Infectious vaginitis, such as candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis, for example; Allergy to the material of condoms, the diaphragm or chemicals such as spermicides; Lack of hygiene in the intimate region or excess of hygiene, mainly with the use of showers, as this changes the vaginal pH and favors the growth of microorganisms that cause diseases; Injuries caused by childbirth.

It is important to identify the cause of the inflammation of the uterus so that proper treatment is done and to prevent the problem from recurring.

Can inflammation in the uterus turn into cancer?

If the inflammation in the uterus is caused by the HPV virus, and the treatment is not done properly, it is possible that the inflammation will become cancer of the cervix. Therefore, whenever there are signs and symptoms that indicate an inflammation, it is important to seek care with a gynecologist to identify the cause and start treatment as soon as possible.

Understand what are the symptoms of cervical cancer, the risks and what to do if suspected.

How the treatment is done

The treatment to be performed for inflammation in the uterus depends on the cause of the problem. When the disease is due to the presence of foreign microorganisms, treatment is done with the ingestion of antibiotic drugs, in tablets or ointments, antifungal or antiviral agents, such as Nystatin, Miconazole, Clindamycin or Metronidazole, for example, which should be used according to the guidance of the gynecologist. In some cases, sexual partners also need treatment, to ensure that microorganisms are eliminated and thus prevent inflammation from returning.

In addition, the gynecologist may also indicate the cauterization of the cervix, to help heal some injuries. However, if the inflammation in the uterus is caused by allergy to materials that come into contact with the woman's inner region, such as the condom and the diaphragm, the use of these products should be stopped and, if necessary, taking anti-inflammatory drugs. to improve pain and recover the uterus.

If inflammation in the uterus is not treated, it can reach more internal regions, such as the endometrium, tubes and ovaries. In such cases, it may be necessary for treatment to be done at the hospital, with medication given directly into the vein to contain the inflammation more quickly.

Homemade options

As a way to complement the treatment of inflammation in the uterus, it is advised to avoid intimate contact, drink about 2 liters of fluids a day, in addition to having a healthy diet, which favors the healing of inflammation, rich in omega-3, present in salmon. and sardines, as well as fruits and vegetables. Check out some recipes for home remedies to complement the treatment of inflammation in the womb.