The typical size of a uterus is approximately 7cm long, 5cm wide, and 4cm thick. It has the shape and dimensions of an upside-down pear. A variety of medical conditions can cause the uterus to increase in size, including pregnancy or uterine fibroids.
You may feel a heaviness in your lower abdomen or notice your lower tummy protruding as your uterus enlarges. However, it is also possible if you do not experience any symptoms.
Causes and Symptoms
Pregnancy
Pregnancy will cause your uterus to increase in size 1,000 times, due to your baby growing. From a clenched fist, it could grow into the size of a watermelon or larger by the time you deliver.
Fibroids
Fibroids are tumors that can grow inside and outside the uterus. Doctors aren’t sure what causes them, but hormonal fluctuations or genetics are suspected to be the root of it. These growths are more common than you think. Studies have shown 80% of women will have experienced Fibroids by the age of 50.
Fibroids are rarely cancerous, but they can cause:
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- painful periods
- discomfort during sex
- lower back pain
Some fibroids are small and may not cause any noticeable symptoms.
Others can grow so large that they weigh several pounds and can enlarge the uterus to such an extent that you may look several months pregnant but that is rarely the case.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the uterine lining, called the endometrium, grows into the uterine wall. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but adenomyosis is tied to estrogen levels.
Most women see a resolution of their symptoms after menopause. That’s when the body stops producing estrogen and periods cease. The symptoms are similar to those of fibroids and include:
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- uterus cramps
- painful intercourse
Women may also notice tenderness and swelling in their lower abdomen. Women with adenomyosis can have a uterus that is double or triple its normal size.
Reproductive cancers
Cancers of the uterus, endometrium, and cervix can all produce tumors. Depending on the size of the tumors, your uterus can swell.
Additional symptoms include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (not menstruation)
- painful intercourse
- pelvic pain
- uncomfortable urination/difficulty emptying your bladder
Diagnosis and treatment
An enlarged uterus is usually found incidentally. For example, your doctor may identify an enlarged uterus during a routine pelvic exam as part of a sexual health examination. It may also be identified if your doctor is treating you for other symptoms, like abnormal menstruation.
If your uterus in enlarged because of pregnancy, it will naturally begin to shrink after you deliver. By one week postpartum, your uterus will be reduced to half its size. By four weeks, it’s pretty much back to its original dimensions. For some women, it may take longer and sometimes it does not go back to the size it once was due to loss of elasticity over periods of pregnancy.
Women in South East Asia have known many herbs to help with women’s health, especially relating to post-natal or menopause. Their practices have seen results and has gained popularity in the world of supplements. It is good to take precaution by asking your doctor’s advice before trying anything new.
Other conditions causing an enlarged uterus could need medical intervention.