Endometritis and Endometriosis are two very similar words that refer to an endometrial disease, but no, they are not synonyms. It is important not to confuse endometritis with endometriosis because, although they both result in infertility, they are two separate diseases with very different causes, symptoms and treatments.
Endometritis is the inflammation or irritation of the endometrium inside the uterus. Endometriosis, however, is a disease that occurs when the endometrium spreads to other tissues outside the uterus.
Endometritis is usually caused by an infection, sexually transmitted disease or for other reasons. The causes of endometriosis, however, are not as clear, but there are some factors that could lead to women developing this illness, such as: early menstruation, short menstrual cycles, high levels of oestrogen, an abnormal uterus or because of a genetic predisposition.
What is true is that endometritis and endometriosis are both causes of infertility. Endometrial health is key when it comes to getting pregnant so both of these diseases are a problem for conception when left untreated.
Symptoms of endometritis
There are a number of symptoms that could indicate you are suffering from this illness such as: malaise, fever, pelvic or abdominal pain, distended abdomen, vaginal bleeding or discharge.
It is important to highlight that when endometritis becomes chronic, you may be asymptomatic or have no clear symptoms.
Symptoms of endometriosis
The most obvious symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain during menstruation. It is not the typical pain that women sometimes feel when they have their period but a much more intense pain. It may also be accompanied by cramps and a much heavier flow.
Another common symptom of endometriosis is pain during sex.
Like endometritis, when it becomes chronic, it is more difficult to diagnose and requires a biopsy. Endometriosis can be diagnosed in a gynaecology consultation.
Treating endometritis and endometriosis
Endometritis is treated with antibiotics, rest, hydration and good sexual health and hygiene.
It is not easy to treat endometriosis although the most common medications are painkillers and hormone treatments to reduce the pain. Surgery can sometimes be used as a last resort.
If a woman is suffering from any of the above symptoms of these two conditions, it is very important to talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key for any illness.
Chronic endometritis: the importance of diagnosis in an infertile patient
Many assisted reproduction patients have a problem with their microbiota. Recurring miscarriages may be caused by chronic endometritis, which is nothing more than a persistent inflammation of the endometrial mucous caused by pathogenic bacteria. It is often asymptomatic, meaning that it is a silent illness suffered by a great many women who cannot conceive naturally.
In order to diagnose and treat this condition, Igenomix has developed ALICE and EMMA, two tests which have proven, since they began to be used in assisted reproduction, that stabilising endometrial flora is key to improving women’s reproductive prognosis.
