Uterus what is it

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in the muscular tissue of the uterus. Fibroids often do not cause symptoms or require treatment. For some women, however, uterine fibroids lead to heavy periods or pain , symptoms typically treated with over-the-counter pain relievers containing ibuprofen or acetaminophen or hormonal contraception.

In severe cases, surgery such as endometrial ablation , myomectomy, or uterine fibroid embolization may be required. Polyps are fingerlike growths that attach to the wall of the uterus. They can range in size from as small as a sesame seed to larger than a golf ball. Many women have polyps without knowing it. When symptoms do occur, they can include irregular periods, heavy bleeding, breakthrough bleeding , and infertility.

Uterine polyps carry a small risk of cancer and should be removed with a procedure known as hysteroscopy. Sometimes a dilation and curettage D and C is done to remove and biopsy endometrial polyps. Some women have a retroverted or retroflexed uterus, which means it is in a tipped or tilted position. This anatomical anomaly usually isn't detected unless a woman becomes pregnant, and usually is not an issue.

However, some women with a tilted uterus may have a higher risk of miscarriage or experience a pregnancy complication known as uterine incarceration. If that happens, a Caesarean delivery will be necessary.

There are two types of cancers that can affect the uterus: One, uterine sarcoma, is very rare. The other, endometrial cancer , originates in the endometrial lining and is fairly common. It typically occurs after menopause. The primary symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may start as a watery, blood-streaked flow that gradually contains more blood.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is not a normal part of menopause and should be discussed with a gynecologist. Tests involving the uterus are used to screen for cancer, diagnose certain diseases and conditions, aid in fertility treatments, and monitor the progress of a pregancy.

They include:. The uterus is usually the size of an apple but can stretch to the size of a watermelon during pregnancy. There are some conditions that may cause an enlarged uterus such as cancer, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Sometimes the pelvic muscles and ligaments become weak over time as women age. When these tissues are weak, the uterus is able to drop down into the vaginal area and sometimes pushes out of the vagina.

This is a prolapsed uterus. Risk factors for uterine prolapse include age, having given birth via vaginal delivery, going through menopause, being White, being overweight, and smoking. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, uterus. In: StatPearls [Internet]. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Updated June 2, About menstruation. Updated January 31, Updated April 1, Uterine fibroids. Endometrial polyps. Uterine cancer. Pap smear. Updated February 26, Mayo Clinic. Fetal ultrasound. Pelvis x-rays. Updated April 21, National Library of Medicine. Large uterus: what is the limit for a laparoscopic approach?

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