Bulky Uterus
The uterus, a muscular and small female reproductive organ that is responsible for feeding and keeping the foetus healthy until birth, is small and muscular.
A bulky uterus refers to a condition where the uterus grows larger than it should. Although this condition is rare, it can cause serious complications and affect fertility.
Symptoms of Bulky Uterus
The symptoms of a bulky uterus can be caused by many things. These are the most common symptoms:
- Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle
- Heavy bleeding and cramping of the pelvic region
- Leg cramps and swelling
- The pressure on the uterus, and the surrounding area
- Backaches
- Bleeding after menopause
- Vaginal discharge
- Urination urges that are frequent and intense.
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Anaemia can be caused by excessive bleeding during periods.
- Losing weight in the lower abdomen
- Gaining weight in the lower abdomen
- Acne
- Excessive hair growth
- Breast tenderness
- Constipation
- A pale complexion and general weakness
Causes of Bulky Uterus
It is most common in women of reproductive age. The most common symptoms include a heavy feeling in the pelvic area and a lumpy lower abdomen. It is possible to go long without being noticed as an enlarged uterus diagnosis is often not expected. A gynaecologist may be able to help you identify the problem quickly.
The uterus can enlarge due to many factors. These are the most well-known and common causes.
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
- Ovarian cysts
- Endometrial Causer
Complications that can appear in Bulky Uterus
If the symptoms of uterine growth are not treated or ignored, it can lead to health problems. Although a bulky uterus is not usually a cause of health complications, the conditions that caused it can. A bulky uterus can lead to fibroids or adenomyosis. These conditions are rarely fatal and can hurt overall health. Here are some complications that could occur:
- Pressure and pain in the pelvic area: An increased size of the uterus may place weight on nearby tissues and organs. It can also cause obstruction, frequent urination and incontinence.
- Infertility: Adenomyosis and fibroids can also cause miscarriage or pregnancy failure. A woman may have difficulty carrying a baby to full term if any of these conditions are present.
- Prolapse is when the uterus expands through the birth canal and stretches outside the body. This happens when the pelvic floor muscles become weak. Multiple births can be very dangerous in such situations. However, fibroids may also be a possible cause.
- Heavy bleeding can be caused by fibroids or adenomyosis.
- Infection: Some women can also get vaginal infections from uterine inflammation.
DIAGNOSIS OF BULKY UTERUS
A bulky uterus is often first felt by the woman, who should visit a gynaecologist. A doctor might also detect a bulging uterus during routine pelvic exams. If your specialist is treating you with a different problem such as irregular menstruation cycles, it can be also detected.
Impact of Bulky Uterus on Female Fertility
This is most common in infertile women. Many women delay planning their first pregnancy until their 40s. Adenomyosis or any other cause can lead to a bulky uterus that negatively impacts female fertility.
Treatment methods for a Bulky Uterus
Sometimes, a bulky uterus doesn’t require treatment. Many may need medication to ease the pain. Heavy bleeding can be caused by contraceptive pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs), which contain progesterone. Women may need a hysterectomy to remove the entire uterus. This is done in extreme cases. It depends on the reason for the condition. These are some of the possible treatment options:
- For Adenomyosis: Drugs like ibuprofen and combined hormonal (oestrogen-progesterone) contraception pills can help soothe the pain and excessive bleeding related to adenomyosis. Your specialist might recommend a hysterectomy in some cases.
- For fibroids: Larger or expanding fibroids will likely require restorative treatment. Your doctor may recommend IUDs or contraceptives that contain oestrogen, and progesterone. These pills can stop the growth of fibroids and reduce bleeding during periods.
Another treatment option for fibroids is uterine artery embolization. It involves injecting small particles into the uterine vessels using a thin tube. The blood supply to fibroids is cut, and they shrink and eventually die.
Sometimes you might need a surgical procedure. To remove fibroids, a myomectomy is performed. Myomectomy is performed depending on the size and location of the fibroids.
Hysterectomy is performed when fibroids are too severe to be surgically removed. This procedure is performed on women who are going through or have already entered menopause, or who don’t wish to have children in the future. Because the uterus will eventually fall out, it is permanent and requires counselling.
The Ovulation Calculator will allow you to determine your most fertile days. This calculator can be used to plan your pregnancy. Fertile windows can vary from one woman to the next, so it is important to consult your nearest IVF Clinic in Delhi for more information.