These are divided into inflammations of the mucous membrane and of the muscular substance.

(A) Endometritis

This is an inflammation of the mucous lining of the uterus. We may have an Acute inflammation set up by the extension of a gonorrhoeal inflammation from the vagina, or in consequence of parturition, or in the course of an acute fever. The inflammation may go on to suppuration or even to sloughing of the mucous membrane and the formation of ulcers. It is apt to extend from the uterus to the Fallopian tube, broad ligament, etc. (see further on).

Chronic endometritis or chronic catarrh is a very frequent disease, and, as a whitish discharge is a characteristic feature, the condition is often called Leucorrhoea. Apart from the excessive secretion the mucous membrane is apt to become thickened, and it may be thrown into folds or give origin to Mucous polypi and Cysts. The cervix especially is often thickened, and the os may present ulcerations.

During pregnancy inflammations sometimes arise, giving occasion to abortions, adhesions of the placenta, and other lesions. The catarrh may also have its origin in a tumour, a flexion or a version of the uterus.

(B) Metritis

This name is given to inflammation of the muscular substance of the uterus. Acute inflammation, even with infiltration of the muscular substance with blood, may follow gonorrhoea.

We have also frequently a Chronic inflammation leading to Induration, it may be with enlargement of the uterus. This is frequently brought about by Imperfect involution of the uterus after parturition, but also results from the various causes which bring about endometritis. The condition consists in a new-formation of connective tissue, and from its correspondence with interstitial inflammation in the liver and elsewhere it is sometimes called Cirrhosis, especially when there is great induration.