An enlarged uterus can be a sign of medical problems and may cause abdominal pain. Uterine fibroids are a common cause, and menopause can also be associated with uterine enlargement. Treatment options depend on the cause and may include surgery or hormone therapy.
An enlarged uterus is a larger than normal uterus. Some variation in size can be expected since every human body is not identical, but if the uterus suddenly becomes larger or if you develop abdominal pain, it could be a sign that there is a medical problem that needs to be addressed. An obstetrician is usually the most suitable care provider to treat an enlarged uterus, although the obstetrician may also wish to consult other medical specialists, such as an endocrinologist, to explore all possible causes of the enlargement.
The uterus is an elastic organ. It is designed to grow to accommodate a developing fetus and to contract again after delivery, and is capable of doing so through multiple pregnancies. When the uterus gets bigger, it can be a sign of a number of different problems.
One possible cause is uterine fibroids. Usually benign, fibroids are growths that appear in or on the uterine wall. They can cause the uterus to swell and enlarge to make room for them. As the fibroids grow, the uterus can begin to push on the bladder, causing abdominal pain. In some cases, it may be possible to palpate the uterus. Ultrasound is usually used to learn more about what’s happening inside the uterus, and in some cases, a doctor may recommend exploratory surgery.
Menopause can also be associated with uterine enlargement, and an enlarged uterus may not be seen as a cause for concern when it is accompanied by other menopausal symptoms. However, if the organ causes pain or discomfort, a doctor may recommend treatment. Complications from gynecological surgeries can also lead to an enlarged uterus, and sometimes the uterus doesn’t contract properly after delivery, in which case it will remain enlarged instead of shrinking over time, and this will be observed during follow-up appointments.
There are a number of treatments for this condition. The first step in treatment is to determine the cause, as this will play a role in deciding which treatment is best. Some options include surgery to correct a condition such as fibroids or to remove the uterus altogether if a woman isn’t interested in having children, along with hormones that can be used to treat menopausal women. An ob-gyn can discuss options with the patient once the cause is determined; your doctor may recommend a slow approach to treatment to see if less invasive measures will work before recommending more complex procedures.
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