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What is Hematometra?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Hematometra is a clinical term describing an accumulation of blood in the uterus. There can be a number of potential causes for this condition and treatment is dependent on finding the source of the blood. Patients may notice a hematometra in the form of abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting, as well as a feeling of fullness and tenderness in the lower abdomen. A gynecologist is usually involved in diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

One potential cause of hematometra is hematosalpinx, where bleeding occurs in the fallopian tube. This can be the result of a tubal pregnancy, an infection, tumors, or trauma to the fallopian tubes. In this case, patients may also experience cramps and pain in the abdomen, often isolated to one side of the body, corresponding with the bleeding fallopian tube. Treatment can involve removal of the tube altogether in a surgery, along with less invasive measures like medications to treat infection and inflammation.

Women may be advised to keep track of how often they change pads during a bout of hematometra.
Women may be advised to keep track of how often they change pads during a bout of hematometra.

Patients with a vaginal septum, where something went wrong with the development of the vagina and the patient ended up with a doubled vaginal structure, can also develop hematometra. Many patients with this condition have it without being aware of it until a problem develops and diagnostic testing reveals the presence of the vaginal septum. Treatment options can include surgery to address the vaginal defect.

Women with hematometra may experience tenderness in the lower abdomen.
Women with hematometra may experience tenderness in the lower abdomen.

Disorders of the female genital tract are a cause for concern both because of the immediate medical issues and due to their potential impacts on fertility. Persistent abnormal uterine bleeding can be seen in inflammatory conditions associated with loss of fertility. Women who want to have children or who plan on having more children should seek prompt treatment even if they are not experiencing pain or tenderness. More fertility-preserving treatment options will be available if the condition is identified early.

Hematometra occur in the uterus.
Hematometra occur in the uterus.

During a bout of hematometra, patients may be advised to wear pads and panty liners to deal with the blood produced. Using tampons may not be recommended if there are concerns about trauma or infection, depending on the situation and a gynecologist's preference. Women may also be asked to keep an eye on how often they have to change pads, as this can provide information about the volume of blood being produced. Women who start to experience dizziness, fainting, clammy skin, or disorientation may be suffering from dangerously high blood loss and should seek medical treatment immediately to get their blood volume back up.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

B707

I have known a number of women who have had problems with blood remaining in their uterus, instead of flowing out. Some of these women became infertile, which was very hard on them.

One woman had a doubled vaginal structure. When she visited her doctor, he suggested that the best course of action was surgery. She was surprised to learn that she had a developmental defect, and that she'd had it since birth. The surgery was successful and she went on to have three children.

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    • Women may be advised to keep track of how often they change pads during a bout of hematometra.
      By: Magdalena Żurawska
      Women may be advised to keep track of how often they change pads during a bout of hematometra.
    • Women with hematometra may experience tenderness in the lower abdomen.
      By: MediablitzImages
      Women with hematometra may experience tenderness in the lower abdomen.
    • Hematometra occur in the uterus.
      By: blueringmedia
      Hematometra occur in the uterus.
    • Gynecologists can diagnose and treat hematometra.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Gynecologists can diagnose and treat hematometra.
    • Use of tampons may not be recommended during hematometra.
      By: noci0114
      Use of tampons may not be recommended during hematometra.