An enlarged uterus is a symptom of a variety of medical conditions, including pregnancy, uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. It affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive-age. While the prognosis for these conditions used to be a hysterectomy, today there are minimally invasive techniques that preserve the uterus and restore quality of life.
How do I know if I need enlarged uterus treatment?
An enlarged uterus is the primary source of “bulk” symptoms for women with fibroids. These symptoms include:
- Pelvic pressure; distended and bloated abdomen
- Weak bladder control, frequent urination because of bladder pressure
- Unexplained weight gain.
As fibroids grow, the uterus, which is typically the size of a small pear and weighing not more than a quarter of a pound, can become enlarged. This growth can create a sensation of fullness in the abdomen and may require enlarged uterus treatment to manage the symptoms.
In order to accommodate fibroid growth, the uterus can extend above the pelvic bone and cause anything from a small paunch to a very distended abdomen, sometimes even giving the appearance of pregnancy.
Other Enlarged Uterus Symptoms
Other common fibroid and adenomyosis symptoms that may result in the need for enlarged uterus treatment include:
- Heavy, prolonged, or painful periods which get continually worse
- Abdominal pressure and bloating
- Moderate to severe menstrual cramps
- Heavy bleeding
- Pain during sex and loss of libido
- Lower back pain and pain in the back of the legs
- Constipation
- Infertility.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to our NYC Fibroid specialists to see if there is an enlarged uterus treatment that works for you.
Causes & Risks
Causes
Adenomyosis
- Adenomyosisis a condition in which the cells of the uterine lining (the endometrium) grow into the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium). During each menstrual cycle, these displaced endometrial cells continue to perform their usual functions and thicken, break down, and bleed within the muscle wall. The surrounding muscle swells and forms fibrous tissue in response to the irritation. The discomfort that comes with adenomyosis may result in the need to pursue enlarged uterus treatment.
Fibroids
- Fibroids is a condition in which normal uterus muscle cells start growing abnormally, forming into smooth muscle tumors that can grow very quickly. Enlarged uterus treatment can help offer relief, especially when the tumors grow to be the size of a pear, or even as large as a watermelon. A woman can have multiple fibroids in and on the uterus, and depending on their location and size, the fibroids may result in an enlarged uterus.
Pregnancy
- During pregnancy, the uterus expands between 500 and 1,000 times its normal size. This is fully expected and it’s unlikely your specialist will recommend enlarged uterus treatment for a pregnancy.
Risks
An enlarged uterus doesn’t inherently produce any health complications, but fibroids and adenomyosis can. If fibroids or adenomyosis result in swelling of the abdomen or severe symptoms, you may want to speak with our NYC Ob/Gyn to see if enlarged uterus treatment is right for you.
Diagnosis & Care
If you’re suffering from uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal swelling, pain, and unexplained weight gain, you could have an enlarged uterus caused by fibroids, adenomyosis, or a different health condition. Viva Eve’s team of women’s health specialists are experts in minimally invasive enlarged uterus treatments that provide dramatic symptom relief from adenomyosis and fibroids. Our evaluations and treatments are based on thorough examinations and evaluating your medical history. Based on your needs, our team will tailor a treatment plan that works for you and your unique situation.