Causes
Postpartum endometriosis is caused by bacteria that may be in the
mother before childbirth. Bacteria could also enter the body during childbirth.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of postpartum endometriosis
are:
- Health problems like diabetes and anemia
- Immune system problems
- Vaginal infection
- Smoking
- Lack of prenatal care
Things during delivery that could raise the risk of postpartum endometriosis are:
- Cesarean section
delivery
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Being in labor for a long time
- Membranes that are broken for a long time during labor
- Devices put in the uterus before, during, or after birth
- Newborn stool (meconium) in amniotic fluid
- Placenta pieces that may remain in the uterus after delivery
- Bacterial infection of the membranes and amniotic fluid
Symptoms
Symptoms may start 2 days to 6 weeks after giving birth. They
include:
- Fever and chills
- Belly pain and tenderness
- Foul smell or blood coming from the vagina
- Pain when passing urine (pee)
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical
exam will be done. The diagnosis is often based on symptoms and recent childbirth. Tests
to look for the kind of bacteria causing the problem include:
- Urine tests and cultures
- Blood tests
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection. This is done with antibiotics.
Prevention
Not all infections can be prevented. Medical care while pregnant
may help lower the chance of some infections. Medicine may be given before a cesarean
section to reduce the risk.
Causes
Postpartum endometriosis is caused by bacteria that may be in the
mother before childbirth. Bacteria could also enter the body during childbirth.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of postpartum endometriosis
are:
- Health problems like diabetes and anemia
- Immune system problems
- Vaginal infection
- Smoking
- Lack of prenatal care
Things during delivery that could raise the risk of postpartum endometriosis are:
- Cesarean section
delivery
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Being in labor for a long time
- Membranes that are broken for a long time during labor
- Devices put in the uterus before, during, or after birth
- Newborn stool (meconium) in amniotic fluid
- Placenta pieces that may remain in the uterus after delivery
- Bacterial infection of the membranes and amniotic fluid
Symptoms
Symptoms may start 2 days to 6 weeks after giving birth. They
include:
- Fever and chills
- Belly pain and tenderness
- Foul smell or blood coming from the vagina
- Pain when passing urine (pee)
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical
exam will be done. The diagnosis is often based on symptoms and recent childbirth. Tests
to look for the kind of bacteria causing the problem include:
- Urine tests and cultures
- Blood tests
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection. This is done with antibiotics.
Prevention
Not all infections can be prevented. Medical care while pregnant
may help lower the chance of some infections. Medicine may be given before a cesarean
section to reduce the risk.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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