The uterus is a muscular pelvic organ shaped like an upside-down pear positioned between the bladder and rectum.
It plays a role in menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth.
The uterus is usually present in people assigned female at birth.
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Vascularization makes the uterine lining thicker and rich in blood in preparation for the implantation of an egg.
If pregnancy doesn’t happen, then the uterus sheds its lining during amenstrual period.
Fertility:Conception comes up whenever sperm (it just takes one) reaches the egg and fertilizes it.
Pregnancy triggers when the growing embryo implants into the endometrium of the uterus and begins to grow.
Pregnancy:During pregnancy, the uterus grows, and the muscular walls become thinner.
This helps accommodate the developing fetus and the protectiveamniotic fluid.
The uterus will have expanded to several times its average size by delivery.
Labor:During labor, uterine muscles contract to push the baby out.
After a baby is born, the uterus continues to contract to expel the placenta.
Can You Get Pregnant Without a Uterus?
While rare, it is theoretically possible to become pregnant without a uterus.
An individual may have a hysterectomy (uterus removed) but still keep their ovaries and fallopian tubes.
In these situations, an egg could be fertilized and growusually in the fallopian tube.
These pregnancies are not viable and are treated either with medication or surgically.
What Does a Uterus Look Like?
There are some conditions that may cause anenlarged uterus, such as cancer,fibroids, andpolycystic ovary syndrome.
However, variations can occur.
These anatomical variations may also involve other reproductive organs and fertility.
Where Is the Uterus Located?
Shaped like an inverted pear, the uterus sits behind the bladder and in front of the rectum.
The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus and can be accessed through the vaginal canal.
The length of the vaginal canal varies but is generally 3.6-5 inches.However, it can stretch during sexual intercourse.
Throughout pregnancy, the uterus continues to grow up and out.
Some discomfort is expected during childbirth and menstruation.
However, extremely painful periods are not normal.
Treatment:Endometriosis may be treated with extended-cycle hormonal birth control or anintrauterine machine(IUD).
However, some individuals respond to complementary and alternative therapies such asacupuncture, chiropractic care, or supplements.
The condition often goes away after menopause.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroidsare noncancerous tumors that grow in the muscular tissue of the uterus.
Fibroids often do not cause symptoms or require treatment.For some individuals, however, uterine fibroids lead toheavy periodsorpain.
Treatment:Fibroids are typically treated with over-the-counter pain relievers containing ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or hormonal contraception.
In severe cases, surgery such as endometrialablation, myomectomy, oruterine fibroid embolizationmay be required.
Uterine Polyps
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 individuals have polyps without knowing it.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Treatment:Uterine polyps are usually benign.
However, larger or symptomatic polyps should be removed with a procedure known ashysteroscopy.
Sometimes, adilation and curettage(D and C) is done to remove and biopsy endometrial polyps.
This triggers when pelvic muscles and tissues are weak.
Treatment:Non-surgical treatments are usually first-line.
However, surgical intervention may be necessary.
There are two main surgical types: obliterative and reconstructive.
Obliterative narrows or closes off the vagina to support the uterus.
Sex is not possible after this procedure.
There are several types of reconstructive surgeries that may restore normal structure and function.
Tipped Uterus Position
Some individuals have aretrovertedor retroflexed uterus, which means it is tipped or tilted.
If that happens, aCaesarean deliverywill be necessary.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is not a normal part of menopause and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Treatment:Surgery to remove the uterus is the most common treatment option.
If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to these structures.
PID is most commonly because of gonorrhea or chlamydia.
However, other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, can cause it, too.
Treatment:PID is treated with antibiotics.
However, antibiotics will not fix internal scarring that can happen if the disease is not treated promptly.
It is made up of three main tissues and has four distinct parts.
The uterus plays a significant role in menstruation, implantation, gestation, and labor.
While the uterus is subject to certain health concerns, there are diagnostic tests and treatment options available.
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