Endometritis is a medical condition that affects the lining of the uterus known as the endometrium. Inflammation of the lining, which can occur due to different factors such as infections, surgical procedures, or childbirth, causes the condition.

It can be categorized as either acute or chronic endometritis depending on the duration of onset.

What is Female Infertility?

Female infertility, on the other hand, refers to a woman’s inability to conceive after trying for 12 months or more or the inability to carry a pregnancy to full term.

Infertility can be due to different factors such as hormonal imbalances, anatomical issues, and reproductive problems.

The Link Between Endometritis and Female Infertility

Endometritis, particularly the chronic type, has been linked to female infertility. Several studies have shown a correlation between endometritis and the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.

The reason behind this can be attributed to the various ways in which endometritis affects the reproductive system.

Effects of Endometritis on Female Infertility

Disrupted Endometrial Receptivity

One of the primary effects of endometritis on female infertility is the disruption of the endometrial receptivity, hindering the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus for women trying to conceive.

This disruption occurs due to the inflammation of the uterus lining resulting in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that affect the cellular and molecular interactions in the endometrium, thus affecting implantation.

Altered Hormones Levels

Chronic endometritis can also lead to altered levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone, which are necessary for successful pregnancy.

These hormonal changes create an unfavorable environment for fertilization and implants in the uterus, leading to infertility issues.

Tubal Occlusion

Another effect of endometritis on female infertility is tubal occlusion.

Tubal occlusion occurs due to chronic inflammation causing the formation of adhesions, scars, or fibrosis around the fallopian tube, which blocks the passage of eggs and sperms during ovulation, leading to infertility.

Increased Risk of Miscarriage

Women with endometritis have a higher risk of miscarriage in the first or second trimester. The inflammation in the uterus may lead to weak attachment of the fertilized egg to the endometrium, resulting in premature termination of the pregnancy.

Reduced Ovarian Reserve

Chronic endometritis can also result in reduced ovarian reserve, a condition where a woman’s ovaries have fewer viable eggs available for fertilization.

This condition results from the toxicity created by the inflammation in the reproductive organs, which damages the ovarian follicles and impairs the maturation process of eggs.

Treatment of Endometritis-Induced Female Infertility

Treatment options for endometritis-induced female infertility depend on several factors such as the severity of the condition, age of the individual, and underlying factors contributing to infertility.

Treatment generally involves the use of antibiotics to clear the infection causing the endometritis. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove polyps or scar tissues that cause adhesions in the fallopian tubes and uterus.

Conclusion

Endometritis is a common gynecological disorder that affects the endometrial lining of women’s uterus. Chronic endometritis can negatively impact female reproductive health, causing infertility issues.

The presence of endometritis requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the progression and severity of the condition. Women experiencing infertility issues should consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying causes and receive appropriate treatment to enhance their chances of conception and pregnancy.