What condition does mastitis refer to?

Mastitis refers specifically to the inflammation of breast tissue, most commonly associated with infection, especially in breastfeeding women. It typically occurs when bacteria enter the breast tissue through a cracked or sore nipple, leading to swelling, redness, pain, and often fever. The condition can be both inflammatory and infectious, but the term mastitis fundamentally focuses on the inflammation aspect. Understanding this definition is crucial for identifying symptoms, recognizing risk factors, and determining appropriate treatment protocols in clinical practice.

The other options pertain to different medical conditions. For example, an infection of the uterus is specifically known as endometritis, an infection of the ovaries is referred to as ovarian infection or oophoritis, and a hormonal imbalance may involve a variety of conditions but does not relate directly to mastitis. Each of these conditions has distinct symptoms and treatments, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and terminology in midwifery and women's health care.