Introduction
Menstruation is a unique process in women that sheds the lining of the uterus once a month. It is also known as menses, menstrual period, or menstrual cycle. Menstrual blood comprises blood and tissue shed from the uterine lining each month. It comes from the uterus through the tiny opening in the cervix and leaves the body through the vagina. The hormone controls the menstrual cycle as it acts as a chemical messenger in the body. Menstruation is often accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms that are caused by the menstrual cycle. The most basic symptoms, such moderate cramping and fatigue, are part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but the symptoms normally disappear once menstruating. Most menstrual cycles last three to five days. The pituitary gland and ovaries produce and release specific hormones during menstruation. These hormones help to thicken the uterus lining for egg implantation.
What Is Hematometra?
Hematometra is a medical condition where blood or blood clots accumulate or are retained inside the uterus. Hematometra occurs when the lower reproductive tract-the uterus, cervix, or vagina, which normally provides an outlet for menstrual blood, becomes blocked. This causes the uterus to become filled with blood.
What Is the Cause of Hematometra?
Congenital abnormalities (existing at birth) are the primary cause of hematometra. These include transverse vaginal septum, a rare disorder caused by abnormal vaginal growth, and imperforate hymen (lack of opening), which prevents menstrual blood flow.Other acquired causes include:
-
Intrauterine adhesions.
-
Cervical stenosis (narrowing of the uterine cervix).
-
Intrauterine adhesion, a scar that occurs inside the uterus and is known as Asherman's syndrome.
-
Post-complication of uterine or cervical surgery.
What Are the Risk Factors of Hematometra?
The risk factor of hematometra includes:
-
Intrauterine adhesions.
-
Uterine or cervical surgery.
-
Abortion.
-
Cervical stenosis.
-
Endometrial cancer is cancer present in the uterus.
-
Cervical cancer formation of cancer present in the cervix canal, which is in the lower part of the uterus.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hematometra?
The signs and symptoms of hematometra include:
-
Periodic cramping discomfort.
-
Irregular vaginal bleeding.
-
Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual bleeding).
-
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
-
Urinary retention.
-
Enlarged uterus.
-
Low blood pressure.
How Is Hematometra Diagnosed?
-
Physical Examination - Although hematometra can frequently be identified based only on the patient's history of amenorrhea and cyclic abdominal cramps, as well as a palpable pelvic mass on examination.
-
Pelvic Ultrasound - Imaging enables the doctor to look for any growths in the reproductive organs. A sonohysterogram, also known as saline-infusion sonography, is a highly sensitive imaging treatment that can aid the doctor to show blood that has accumulated in the uterus and an enlargement of the uterine cavity.
-
Blood Test - The doctor can perform a full blood count and assess how the blood clots.
-
Hormone Level Test - Abnormal bleeding could be brought on by hormonal abnormalities, or it could be a symptom of another condition.
What Are the Treatment Options Available for Hematometra?
Depending on the underlying cause of the disease, hematometra treatment may vary. Patients with a blockage of the uterine cervix or in the uterine cavity are typically treated by surgical dilation to remove the blood from the uterus. Antibiotics are used as a preventative measure against the risk of infection.
-
Medications - Antibiotics frequently administered as preventative medicine against infection, which easily grows in the collected blood and tissue. Patients with this condition frequently have cramps, which can be relieved using medications that reduce inflammation, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
-
Surgery - Hematometra is typically treated by a surgical method known as surgical dilatation to empty the blood from the uterus. Patients who experience hematometra due to the narrowing of the uterus or cervix (stenosis) can recover from this treatment. Other surgical techniques also used to treat hematometra include the surgical removal of a tumor and the resection of adhesions, which frequently form after a previous procedure.
What Are the Complications of Hematometra?
The complication of hematometra includes:
-
Infection - Blood retention or accumulation in the uterine cavity creates a suitable environment for bacterial growth, which can result in pyometra. In this inflammatory disorder, pus builds up in the uterine cavity. If the infection is not treated, it may spread to the bloodstream or the membrane lining inside the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
-
Uterus Enlargement - Blood can enlarge and distend the uterus, sometimes compressing other organs. Urination may become more frequent, and urine retention may occur due to pressure on the urinary bladder.
How to Reduce the Risk of Hematometra?
Numerous factors that lead to the development of hematometra cannot be prevented, but it can lower the risk of developing some diseases that can cause the condition. Maintaining a healthy weight may help to keep the hormones balanced. Some malignancies can be prevented by avoiding diets high in animal fat. The chance of developing some malignancies can be decreased by avoiding diets high in animal fat. And also can lower the chance of contracting some sexually transmitted infections, which can lead to the condition, by involving in safer sexual behavior. Consult a doctor immediately if anyone experiences these symptoms:
-
Severe discomfort before, during, or after periods.
-
Unusually heavy bleeding (soaking a tampon or pad every hour for two to three hours) or passing big clots.
-
Unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge.
-
Extreme fever.
-
A period of more than seven days.
-
Vaginal bleeds or spotting before or after menstruation or following menopause.
Conclusion
Women who have not had female genital mutilation, cervical or uterine surgery, or endometrial or cervical cancer are at a considerably decreased risk of developing hematometra. These incidents raise the possibility that vaginal tract adhesions may develop, potentially obstructing menstrual blood flow and leading to hematometra. The collection of mucus and menstrual blood in the uterus and the vagina in women with imperforate hymen may be prevented with surgical repair of the hymen opening. Seek medical attention immediately if anyone experiences these symptoms. Once the symptoms are properly identified, the doctor can assist in selecting the most effective course of action to make the menstrual period tolerable.
