Uterus pain can have many potential causes, including bacterial infections. In this article, we will examine whether bacterial infections can lead to uterus pain, the common types of bacterial infections that may be involved, their symptoms, and treatment options.
Can bacterial infections cause uterus pain?
Yes, bacterial infections can sometimes cause pain in the uterus. The uterus, medically known as the womb, is part of the female reproductive system. It is where a fetus develops during pregnancy. The uterus is normally the size of a pear, but stretches significantly during pregnancy.
There are several types of bacterial infections that can affect the female reproductive system and lead to uterus pain:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Caused by sexually transmitted bacteria spreading to the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Common symptoms include lower abdomen pain, fever and abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Endometritis – An inflammation of the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Usually occurs after childbirth due to bacteria spreading from the vagina to the uterus. Symptoms include fever, uterus pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding/discharge.
- Myometritis – An infection of uterine fibroids caused by bacteria spreading from the cervix. Can cause pelvic pain, fever and an enlarged uterus.
- Salpingitis – An inflammation of the Fallopian tubes. Pelvic or lower abdominal pain is a common symptom.
- Bacterial vaginosis – A vaginal infection that may spread to the uterus in some cases. Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning and gray discharge.
The rest of this article will provide more detail on how common gynecological infections can cause uterus pain.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) involves an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is typically caused by sexually transmitted bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Other bacteria like Mycoplasma genitalium may also be involved.
These bacteria can spread from the vagina to the uterus, Fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs through proximity and contact. In some cases, the bacteria may spread through the bloodstream.
As these reproductive organs become inflamed and infected, symptoms like lower abdominal pain, fever and vaginal discharge occur. Let’s examine some key symptoms of PID in more detail:
Lower abdominal pain
Sharp or cramping pain in the lower abdomen is a hallmark symptom of PID. This occurs as the infection causes inflammation and irritation of the uterus, Fallopian tubes and other pelvic structures.
The pain may be constant or intermittent. It may be felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis. The pain may worsen during sex, during menstrual periods or during urination.
Fever and chills
A bacterial infection like PID can trigger a fever as the immune system attempts to fight off the infection. Fevers over 101F (38.3C) are common. Chills, headaches and sweats may accompany the fever.
Unusual vaginal discharge
Some women with PID notice a change in their vaginal discharge. There may be more discharge than normal. The discharge may become yellow, gray or green in color, and have a foul odor.
These discharge changes signify pus and inflammation resulting from the infection. Bacteria like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can also cause discharge changes.
Pain during sex or urination
As the infection inflames the uterus and surrounding pelvic structures, deep pain may be felt during sexual intercourse. Pain or a burning sensation may also occur during urination.
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Some women with PID experience heavy, irregular or painful periods. This occurs as inflammation disrupts the normal menstrual cycle.
Without treatment, PID can lead to serious complications like infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. So prompt antibiotic treatment is important.
Endometritis
Endometritis is inflammation of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. It is most often caused by a bacterial infection following childbirth or miscarriage.
During delivery, bacteria from the vagina and cervix can be spread to the uterus. Common culprits include staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and gonorrhea bacteria. Cesarean delivery may also introduce bacteria into the uterus.
As these bacteria multiply and spread in the uterus, the endometrial lining becomes inflamed. This can lead to symptoms like:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever and chills
- Foul-smelling lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge)
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Fast heart rate
Without treatment, the infection can spread to other organs and may even become life-threatening. So antibiotics are used to clear the bacterial infection, along with medications to reduce fever and pain.
Myometritis
Myometritis refers to an infection of uterine fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus.
Bacteria can sometimes spread from the cervix to implant and infect fibroids in the uterus. This can lead to inflammation and pain. Symptoms may include:
- Pelvic pain
- Lower abdominal cramps
- Fever and chills
- Vaginal bleeding
- Enlarged or tender uterus
Myometritis requires prompt antibiotic treatment. In severe cases, surgical removal of the infected fibroid may be necessary. This condition is one example of how bacterial uterine infections can cause pelvic pain.
Salpingitis
Salpingitis refers to inflammation of the Fallopian tubes. It is often caused by pelvic infections like PID spreading from the uterus and endometrium.
The Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. When they become infected and inflamed, women may experience:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Fever and nausea
Antibiotic treatment is needed to address the underlying infection. Salpingitis can lead to long-term complications like infertility and ectopic pregnancy if left untreated.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. The most common symptom is a gray, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
While BV originates in the vagina, sometimes the infection can spread to the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. When this happens, women may experience pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
BV is treated with antibiotic medications like metronidazole. Probiotics may also be recommended to restore the natural bacterial balance in the vagina.
Diagnosing bacterial infections that cause uterus pain
If you are experiencing unexplained pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis, see your doctor for an evaluation. They can help diagnose the cause of the pain.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will perform a pelvic exam to check for signs of infection, such as discharge and uterus tenderness. Lab tests may include:
- Pelvic ultrasound – This imaging test can detect uterine abnormalities like fibroids or ovarian cysts that may be causing pain.
- Complete blood count – A blood test checks for signs of infection like high white blood cell count.
- Cervical cultures – Swabs are taken of the cervix to test for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Endometrial biopsy – Involves taking a sample of the uterine lining to test for bacterial infection.
Based on your symptoms, pelvic exam findings and test results, your doctor can diagnose any underlying infections and provide appropriate treatment.
Treating bacterial infections causing uterus pain
Bacterial infections affecting the uterus and reproductive organs are typically treated with antibiotics. The type and length of antibiotic treatment will depend on the specific infection.
Here are some common antibiotic options:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease – Treated with IV antibiotics like ceftriaxone and doxycycline for 2-3 days, followed by oral antibiotics for 14 days.
- Endometritis – Women are given clindamycin plus gentamicin IV for 5-7 days.
- Myometritis – Oral antibiotics like doxycycline for 10-14 days.
- Salpingitis – IV antibiotics followed by 14 days of oral antibiotics.
- Bacterial vaginosis – Metronidazole or clindamycin creams or gel for 5-7 days.
Pain medications like ibuprofen can provide relief from pelvic pain and cramps. Women with PID or endometritis may need to be hospitalized for IV antibiotics.
If antibiotics don’t improve the uterine infection, surgical drainage or hysterectomy may be needed. Prompt antibiotic treatment gives the best chance of curing the infection and preserving fertility.
Preventing bacterial infections of the uterus
Practicing safe sex can help prevent STIs that may lead to PID. Other prevention tips include:
- Get tested for STIs regularly if sexually active
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
- Limit sexual partners
- Avoid douching, which disrupts vaginal bacteria
Good hygiene after vaginal delivery of a baby can help prevent endometritis. Proper treatment of pre-term labor or miscarriage also reduces infection risk.
If you develop abnormal vaginal discharge, foul odor or unexplained pelvic pain, see a doctor promptly. Treating gynecological infections early is important.
Conclusion
Bacterial infections like PID, endometritis and bacterial vaginosis can sometimes spread to the uterus and surrounding pelvic organs. As these structures become inflamed, symptoms like lower abdominal pain, fever and abnormal vaginal discharge may occur.
It’s important to see a doctor for any unexplained pelvic pain so the cause can be properly diagnosed. Bacterial infections require prompt antibiotic treatment to cure the infection, reduce complications, and prevent the spread to reproductive organs.
Practicing safe sexual behaviors and maintaining vaginal health can help prevent many uterine infections. But any woman experiencing signs of pelvic infection should be evaluated promptly to avoid complications.