Uterine health is very vital regarding overall health in women, from an aspect of the menstrual cycle to fertility. While a condition called “bulky uterus” might even result in discomfort, and can also be a pointer to a very dangerous health condition.
While most of the time the bulky uterus is asymptomatic, the rise of symptoms can lead to complications and affect the quality of life. It is necessary to understand what this condition is to prevent its occurrence, and this blog will help you identify a bulky uterus and what should be done next.
What is a Bulky Uterus?
A bulky uterus is an indistinct bulge in the uterine wall, where the uterus enlarges more than usual. This causes pressure, heaviness, pressure over the urinary bladder, and frequent urination, or sometimes even difficulty urinating. This results in heavier and longer periods, and also can lead to intercycle bleeding.
Causes of Bulky Uterus
Hormonal Imbalance
Sometimes the elevated estrogen levels may cause the uterus to grow larger than usual, making it bulky. The increase in estrogen levels could be due to the undiagnosed disorders, especially PCOS.
Fibroids
These are non-cancerous tissues that grow on the inner lining of the uterus. In most cases, these growths are small in length and do not affect the size. While these fibroids are large, they could lead to expansion in the uterus.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is the tissue that is grown outside the uterus, forming a secondary lining on the muscle layer. The lack of an outer lining can cause enlargement of the womb, resulting in a bulky uterus.
Pregnancy
Sometimes, pregnancy could be the reason for the uterus to bulge. This is the only case where a bulky uterus becomes desirable. While nurturing a baby during pregnancy, your uterus may grow up to 20 times, but it returns to normal after giving birth.
Endometrial Hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition where the uterine lining becomes thick during the follicular phase. This results in a bulky uterus.
Pyometra
It is the collection of pus in the uterus which may extend the walls and makes the uterine linings thin. This is caused due to an infection and narrowing of the cervix opening, which stops the pus from exiting during periods.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Conditions like sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive conditions and aggressive treatments for certain conditions could lead to inflammation in the pelvic region.
This condition is also called PID, which is the most common cause of infertility. However, it can be treated with antibiotics, under the guidance of an expertise doctor.
Symptoms of Bulky Uterus
- Irregular periods or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Pelvic pain and cramping.
- Post menstrual blleding
- Vaginal discharge
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Painful intercourse
- Heaviness in lower abdomen
- Palpitations in the region
- Skin paleness
Diagnosis of Bulky Uterus
Physical examination:
Doctor will conduct a general physical examination and analyse your medical history to determine the possibility of a bulky uterus. The symptoms, time, and severity of the uterus can be found.
Ultrasound:
Transvaginal ultrasound can be done in two sessions to evaluate a bulky uterus.
Hysteroscopy:
It is the process when a thin and lighted catheter through the vagina to have a closer look at the inner lining of the uterus. This test is usually not that painful, though there are some chances of discomfort.
MRI:
This scan shows the exact place where the thickening or enlargement of the uterus occurs, and gauges whether the thickening is uniform or specific.
Blood test:
It helps identify the exact cause of expansion and treat the condition immediately, and more accurately.
Treatment Options for a Bulky Uterus
Hormonal Therapies
While the exact reason for uterine bulkiness is found, specialists can administer hormonal supplements and shots to reduce the enlargement of the uterus.
- While fibroids or adenomyosis are the cause, birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and flow.
- Sometimes the synthetic form of progesterone (progestin) can help manage abnormal bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia.
- GnRH agonists can be administered to control the production of estrogen and progesterone for a short period to shrink fibroids or uterine enlargement.
Pain Killers
Painkillers or pain relievers can help control the symptoms, but not the direct condition. Drugs like NSAIDs and Acetaminophen are used to lower the severity of the pain and reduce discomfort for a short period.
Uterine Artery Embolization
It is a minimally invasive procedure that lowers the blood supply in the affected region of the uterus and reduces the inflammation caused in the uterus by making it shrink.
Surgical Treatments
Based on the severity of the conditions, specialists may recommend a Myomectomy to remove fibroids or a Hysterectomy to remove the uterus.
Conclusion
A bulky uterus is a condition where the symptoms are felt much later after the condition begins, due to its slow rate of development. Its effects can negatively impact daily life and fertility either temporarily or permanently.
Once the signs of a bulky uterus are felt with the urge to urinate, and heaviness in the pelvic region, consult your doctor for diagnosis, to find the exact reason, and start the treatment procedure. Changing the diet and lifestyle habits, along with regular pelvic examination, can help reduce long-term risks.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Yes, a bulky uterus that is caused due to fibroids or a thickened endometrium can interrupt the uterine environment, increasing the chances of miscarriage risks.
Yes, a bulky uterus affects pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labour, obstructed labour, depending on size and presence of fibroids and other abnormalities.
In some cases, like fibroids, the medications or surgery can completely resolve the bulky uterus conditions, but in other conditions, it may require ongoing management.
