expanded uterus caused by uterine fibroids

Topics covered in this blog:

  1. What Causes An Enlarged Uterus
  2. Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids
  3. What Causes An Enlarged Uterus
  4. The Emotional And Physical Pain Of Fibroids
  5. Why Fibroids Sometimes Cause An Enlarged Uterus
  6. How Fibroids Affect Surrounding Organs
  7. Treatment For An Enlarged Uterus
  8. Schedule Treatment For Enlarged Uterus

What Causes An Enlarged Uterus?

Most women associate an enlarged uterus with pregnancy, but that’s not the only reason your uterus can become enlarged. Large or multiple fibroids can cause an expansion of the uterus. Some women may notice weight gain, a bloated belly, or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, while others may not notice it at all. However, it’s important to know enlarged uterus causes to ensure you get the right treatment.

Many of our patients reveal they first noticed a change when their pants did not fit or their belly felt full or looked expanded.  A pelvic exam or an imaging test such as an ultrasound or MRI can be used to diagnose an enlarged uterus.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that can be found inside or on the outside of the uterus. As they receive nutrients from the blood supply of the attached artery, these fibroids can continue to grow.

You may have one or several, growing separately or in clusters. As they get larger, these fibroids can cause your uterus to expand and make you look like you’re pregnant.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Every woman’s experience with fibroids is very different. Some women with fibroids may not experience any symptoms; however, others may struggle with chronic pain. Having an expanded uterus is just one of the possible symptoms you may experience if you have fibroids, others include:

  • Heavy period lasting more than 10 days per month is the most common symptoms of fibroids
  • Severe pelvic pain or cramping which occurs before or during the period
  • Anemia caused by heavy bleeding and longer than normal menstrual cycles
  • Bleeding between menstrual cycles, caused by fibroids that distort the uterine lining
  • Pain during intercourse, which may occur if the fibroid is located near the cervix
  • Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder because the fibroid presses against the organ
  • Constipation, which often occurs when the fibroid grows larger and presses against the rectum or bowel
  • Lower back, or leg pain

Want to learn more about uterine fibroids? Take our quiz to find out if fibroids could cause your painful symptoms.

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What Causes An Enlarged Uterus

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is one of the causes of an enlarged uterus. It is a condition that occurs when the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the organ. This tissue can cause the uterus to expand up to twice or triple its normal size. It will break down and cause pain that is often more severe during your period than what would be expected.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths that develop inside or outside the ovary. You may not have any symptoms or even be aware that a cyst has developed. However, they can grow quite large and cause pain and other symptoms. While the cysts don’t grow in the uterus or affect its size, they can make you look like you’ve gained weight, similar to an enlarged uterus.

Uterine Cancer

You can develop cancerous tumors in the uterus separate from uterine fibroids. These cancerous growths can grow quite large, causing the uterus to be extended as if you were pregnant.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most common and well-known reason for an enlarged uterus. The uterus must expand during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby. To accurately convey the change in size, think of a normal uterus as about the size of a lemon that grows to the size of a watermelon during pregnancy.

enlarged uterus emotional toll

The Emotional and Physical Toll of Fibroids

Struggling with fibroids is usually associated with physical pain or discomfort, but we often forget about the emotional toll it can take. Having an enlarged uterus can affect a woman’s self-confidence, body image, and even love life. 

We all know that having an expanded abdomen shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying life, but for some women, it still does. Some of our patients have shared that they couldn’t wear what they wanted when going out with friends, were embarrassed by wearing a bathing suit to the pool, or didn’t feel confident with their partner during intimacy.

Not only do body image and insecurities cause distress, but the constant worry and fear of bleeding through your clothes in public or not having enough feminine hygiene products while away from the house can be exhausting. Many women state that living with fibroids caused them to feel as if they had no control over their bodies and were preventing them from enjoying the things they used to love. This is primarily due to the difficulty of managing and predicting heavy periods. Along with the problem of an enlarged uterus, you may also have to deal with fibroid pain that can inhibit your ability to enjoy your day-to-day life.

Why Fibroids Sometimes Cause An Enlarged Uterus

One of the most common enlarged uterus causes is fibroids. The exact cause of fibroid growth is still unknown; however, researchers know they grow and shrink when there is an increase or decrease in estrogen and progesterone.

While some fibroids are as tiny as seeds, they can grow as large as a melon. Their location isn’t limited to inside the uterine cavity; they can develop on the outside of the uterus, within the lining of the uterus, and can even attach themselves to the uterus wall by a stalk. If the fibroid(s) grow larger within the uterine cavity, they may expand the uterus just like a pregnancy does. If the fibroid(s) grow larger outside the uterine wall, they may press on surrounding organs.

How Fibroids Affect Surrounding Organs

Fibroid symptoms and pain are often associated with pelvic pain or heavy bleeding, but there are other organs that can be affected as well.

  • Bladder – Many women who have large fibroids may feel the need to run to the bathroom frequently. They may also have difficulty emptying their bladder if the expanded uterus puts too much pressure on the tube leading to the urethra.
  • Rectum – A large fibroid can push down on the rectum, making bowel movements difficult. This is why it is also possible that some women experience constipation or pain while defecating.
  • Stomach – Some women may experience the feeling of fullness and may not be able to eat as much as they used to. This can even lead to significant weight loss.

You may have another health condition with symptoms that mimic uterine fibroids. For instance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that causes cysts on the ovaries. Many women have PCOS or ovarian cysts and fibroids at the same time. 

Another common diagnosis is endometriosis, which is where the uterine tissue grows on the outside of the uterus. You may require treatment of this condition along with fibroids. Diagnosis can be difficult for multiple enlarged uterus causes, so it’s important to see a specialist.

Treatment For An Enlarged Uterus

If you think your expanded uterus is caused by fibroids, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation to get checked. An interventional radiologist will use an ultrasound or MRI to diagnose your fibroids and then work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan. It’s important to consider your treatment options and understand that invasive surgery is not the only solution.

Non-surgical treatments like Uterine Fibroid Embolization offer many benefits such as no hospitalization, a shorter recovery, the ability to preserve your uterus and retain fertility.

Schedule Treatment for Enlarged Uterus

If you’re ready to take the following steps and want to find out more about enlarged uterus causes, or just want to get more information about treatment, give us a call at 855-615-2555 for a consultation.

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