Table of contents:
- What causes an enlarged uterus, even though you are not pregnant?
- 1. The presence of uterine fibroids
- 2. Adenomyosis
- 3. Endometrial cancer
- 4. Ovarian cysts
One of the early symptoms of pregnancy is an enlarged uterus, which is characterized by an enlarged abdomen. Even so, there are several other reasons that may cause the uterus to enlarge apart from pregnancy. For example, menopause. Women who are at the age of menopause generally experience this condition. There are also other medical conditions that may be the reason behind the cause of your enlarged uterus, which may be benign or malignant. Here is some information.
What causes an enlarged uterus, even though you are not pregnant?
1. The presence of uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are small, non-cancerous lumps or tumors found along the uterine wall. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Services Office on Women's Health (OWH), between 20 or 80 percent of women have fibroids before turning 50. Uterine fibroids often occur in women over 30 years of age. Women who are obese or who are overweight have a greater risk of developing fibroids. Hormonal and genetic factors influence fibroid growth.
Fibroids can grow as a single tumor or in groups. Fibroids are small in size and weigh up to several kilograms. In addition to an enlarged uterus, uterine fibroid symptoms can include:
- Feeling full or pressure in the lower abdomen
- Pelvic pain
- Menstrual cycles are heavy, painful, or long lasting, sometimes by clotting blood
- Bleeding between menses
- Constipation
- Urinating frequently
- Pain during sexual intercourse
When fibroids are small and not a cause for concern, surgery may not be necessary. If the fibroids are causing pain and are worrisome, a surgical procedure called a myomectomy may be used to stop the growth. If symptoms are severe, a hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus may be needed to relieve symptoms. Medicines to help control menstrual pain can also be used. Other treatment options include birth control to reduce bleeding.
2. Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a thickening of the uterine wall that occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) moves outside the muscular wall of the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, muscle cells bleed, causing pain and swelling. Adenomyoma is a swollen part of the uterine wall.
The cause of adenomyosis is unknown. Adenomyosis usually occurs in women over 30 years of age who already have children and often occurs in women who have had uterine surgery, including cesarean section. Apart from an enlarged uterus, symptoms include:
- Long periods or heavy bleeding
- Painful menstruation, which keeps getting worse
- Pain during sexual intercourse
This condition occurs especially in young women who already have children. Women in their 30s, especially those who had a cesarean section during labor or those who have had uterine surgery are more likely to develop adenomyosis. If symptoms are not a cause for concern, painkillers can be used, such as birth control pills and progesterone-containing contraceptives can help reduce heavy bleeding. Women with severe symptoms may need a hysterectomy for symptom relief.
3. Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer, often known as the lining of the uterus, is the mucous membrane of the uterus. Endometrial cancer is also one of the causes of an enlarged uterus. This is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that make up the lining of the uterine wall. An abnormal and uncontrolled cell division in cells to form glandular tissue from the uterine wall causes endometrioid. This condition usually occurs in women over 50 years.
Symptoms include:
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- difficulty urinating
- vaginal bleeding during menstruation or after menopause
The uterus can also be expanded. In such circumstances, treatment of the enlarged uterus involves surgical removal of the uterus. This approach can also help in the treatment of endometrial cancer.
4. Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or sacs on the ovaries or on the surface of the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and the majority disappear without a few months of treatment. However, in some cases, ovarian cysts can burst and cause serious symptoms.
Common symptoms of an enlarged uterus caused by ovarian cysts include:
- Pressure and pain in the stomach
- Back pain
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain during menstruation
- Abnormal bleeding
To confirm the diagnosis behind your enlarged uterus while protecting your health, have regular pelvic exams and identify symptoms that could indicate a serious condition.
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