Thursday, February 2nd, 2023

FIRST THING FIRST: What Is An Enlarged Uterus?

If you’ve heard the words “enlarged uterus” thrown around by your doctor or friends, you may be curious about what an enlarged uterus entails. Also known as a hyper uterus, An enlarged uterus implies that there’s perhaps more activity in the uterus than is considered usual. While there is no exact measurement for a “normal-sized” uterus, a normal-sized uterus can be compared to the size of a clenched fist or a small apple.1

As a general rule, an enlarged uterus may not concern you if you’ve been professionally diagnosed. That being said, you or your doctor will likely want to know the cause of your enlarged uterus – which is more than likely what your physician will be concerned about. Depending on the underlying cause, it’s possible to have a wide range of symptoms. Understanding the symptoms and causes of an enlarged uterus is an important step in your recovery, so you should consider seeking out a proper diagnosis and treatment to relieve your symptoms.

If you have the following symptoms, you may likely have an enlarged uterus and should go to the doctor or a specialist for a diagnosis.

Pelvic pressure or discomfort
A feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen
Urinary frequency or difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation or difficulty passing stools
Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
Painful intercourse
Backache or leg pain
Infertility

Now, you just may be wondering about enlarged uterus causes.

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSES

Enlarged uterus causes can vary depending on the person who has it, their body chemistry, and their lifestyle. However, enlarged uterus causes can also be hard to tell apart. Here are a few of them.

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSE: Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop within or on the uterus. Some patients acquire a single fibroid, while others get several growths. They range in size from a tiny seed to a melon, with the largest weighing more than 20 pounds. While they aren’t necessarily dangerous, they are benign (non-cancerous) growths that can indeed continue to grow larger, uterine fibroids are the most common cause of an enlarged uterus (also known as an enlarged fibroid uterus).

Common Psychical Enlarged Uterus Symptoms due to Uterine Fibroids:

Periods lasting longer than a week
Aggressively heavy periods
Pelvic pressure or pain
The need to frequently use the restroom
Back or leg pains
Anemia, which can lead to fatigue
Increased menstrual cramps
Stomach bulge
Enlarged fibroid uterus

Emotional Enlarged Uterus Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids:

Negative body image and poor self-esteem
Fear, stress, and anxiety
Sadness and depression

There are also multiple types of uterine fibroids. These are known as intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, pedunculated fibroids, and submucosal fibroids – and these can all cause an enlarged fibroid uterus.

THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE FIBROIDS BASED ON THESE SYMPTOMS? CLICK TO TAKE OUR SYMPTOM QUIZ.

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSE: Endometrial Hyperplasia

This condition is when the lining of the uterus becomes too thick. While this isn’t cancerous, it can become cancerous depending on how one’s body reacts, which is when it becomes endometrial hyperplasia. The symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia are fairly similar to those of uterine fibroids, which also causes an enlarged uterus.

Common Enlarged Uterus Symptoms of Hyperplasia:

Heavier and longer than regular periods
Bleeding between periods
Menstrual cycles that are longer than 21 days
Menstrual bleeding even after menopause
Anemia (not as common)2

Endometrial hyperplasia is more often than not caused by an excess amount of estrogen and a lack of progesterone in their bodies. The lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium, continues to become thicker due to estrogen in the body. If the cells in the lining crowd together and become abnormal, it could lead to cancer.3

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSE: Uterine Adhesions

Injury or infection of the endometrium may cause damage to the lining and the formation of scar tissues between the inner walls of the uterus where the walls abnormally cling or stick to each other.4 These abnormal bands of tissue can form inside the uterus and cause it to become fixed or stuck in a certain position, leading to an enlarged uterus and enlarged uterus symptoms.

There are no specific enlarged uterus symptoms from uterine adhesions. However, if there are abnormalities in your menstrual cycles, such as it being shorter or longer than usual, it is a cause for concern.

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSE: Endometriosis

Endometriosis usually occurs when tissue similar to that of the endometrium* is frequently discovered on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and intestines. 5 It can cause an enlarged uterus, enlarged uterus symptoms, and pain for those diagnosed with it.

Endometrium, as mentioned earlier, is the lining of the uterus.

Some of the most common enlarged uterus symptoms from endometriosis include:

Pelvic pain or cramping
Heavy, lengthy bleeding
Pain during sex
Infertility
Painful urination or bowel pain
Constant fatigue
Bleeding or pain between periods
Pain after a pelvic exam
Loose or less bowel movements

Because these enlarged uterus symptoms are so similar to those of uterine fibroids, without consultation often confuse these for one another. It’s why it’s essential for women to go to their doctors or a specialist when their body is acting up, in case this is the cause of their enlarged uterus.

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSE: Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition where a woman’s uterine lining develops into the muscle walls of her uterus. This will easily cause one’s uterus to enlarge and cause pressure and pain in the enlarged uterus. It can grow from 2 to 3 times in size.6

This condition can cause similar enlarged uterus symptoms to those listed above, such as painful menstruation, abdominal pressure and bloating, and constant heaving bleeding during menstruation. Because of this, adenomyosis can often be diagnosed as uterine fibroids.

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSE: Pregnancy

Pregnancy is when a woman is taking care of a baby in her uterus. But what causes an enlarged uterus during pregnancy? This is usually due to the uterus needing to expand in order to accommodate the growing baby. As the baby grows in the stomach, the uterus needs to be able to fit the baby – and so, the uterus will expand in order for the baby to fit and grow comfortably.

ENLARGED UTERUS CAUSE: Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer can come in two forms. There is endometrial cancer, which is very common and easier than usual to cure, and uterine sarcoma, which is fairly uncommon and harder to cure. Both are found on the inner lining of the uterus, but look completely different on a microscopical level.7

Symptoms of An Enlarged Uterus

As you can see, there are many possible causes for an enlarged uterus. Enlarged uterus symptoms can range from pregnancy to cancer, which can be benign or life-threatening. However, a few symptoms overlap with all of the causes, and it could be useful to watch out for them.

Common Symptoms of An Enlarged Uterus:

Infertility
Back or leg pain
Intercourse that hurts
Menstrual cycles that are heavy or lengthy
Constipation or bowel obstruction
Frequent urination or trouble emptying the bladder
A feeling in your abdomen of fullness or bloating
Pelvic discomfort or pressure

Diagnosis and Treatment

Enlarged Uterus Diagnosis

If you’re looking for enlarged uterus treatment, never fear.

Many women normalize their period and painful period pains, or even completely overlook their enlarged uteruses and enlarged fibroid uterus. However, some women may not even realize they have symptoms of an enlarged uterus. This is why it is pertinent to see a doctor when your body shows previous symptoms and when you have your yearly exams.8

In order to be diagnosed properly, a doctor or professional will typically require you to undergo a pelvic exam, ultrasound examination, and/or biopsy. Depending on the underlying cause of your enlarged uterus, they may prescribe medication, surgery (if necessary), or both. Enlarged uterus treatment options will vary depending on the cause and severity of the underlying condition.

Enlarged Uterus Treatment

Working closely with your doctor will help you to determine the best course of action for your enlarged uterus and what to do about enlarged uterus treatment. By collaborating with your healthcare provider, the both of you can make an informed decision about the most appropriate treatment course for you. Our fibroid doctors can consult with you on potential diagnosis and if it is related to fibroids.

Do You Need Treatment?

Whether or not you need enlarged uterus treatment depends on your condition’s seriousness and the underlying cause. Your doctor will be able to confirm the seriousness of your enlarged uterus and give you suggestions on what to do about your enlarged uterus.

It is important to understand that having an enlarged uterus may not always be the most serious condition. However, if you do not get the proper diagnosis and enlarged uterus treatment, it can lead to numerous painful symptoms, such as excessive back pain or discomfort, menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and more.

In order to manage these symptoms effectively and ensure your well-being, it is essential to work with your healthcare provider to create a customized treatment plan specifically designed for you.

A hyper uterus is a condition in which the uterus becomes larger than average, also known as an enlarged uterus. Many women experience symptoms (including pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and abnormal menstrual cycles) as a result of their enlarged uterus.

Unfortunately, many women do not know what is causing their hyper uterus or where to find proper treatment.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with your menstrual cycle, abdominal pain, or difficulty walking long distances – all of which are symptoms commonly associated with an enlarged uterus – you should consult a doctor or health professional for diagnosis and possible treatment options. There may be underlying causes that require medical attention.

By recognizing the symptoms of an enlarged uterus and seeking help from qualified professionals, you can manage your health concerns and live a worry-free life. Because you understand what is happening to your body and getting professional support, you will have the chance to stay healthy and enjoy a fulfilling life, free from anxiety about your uterus.

USA Fibroid Centers Is Here to Help

There are many women who suffer from fibroids, which are benign tumors in the uterus that can cause an enlarged uterus or enlarged fibroid uterus. Our specialists at USA Fibroid Centers understand the challenges and difficulties that these women face when dealing with their problems.

By providing them with non-surgical treatment options, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure done in-house, we aim to provide these women with relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you are interested in finding out more about our services or want to schedule a consultation to visit one of our many locations, call us at 888.615.2555 or schedule online today!