What Causes an Enlarged Uterus?

What causes an enlarged uterus, and why should you treat this condition? Unfortunately, changes to the size of the uterus cause fertility concerns for many women. If you have an enlarged uterus, your ability to carry a baby to term will also be severely impacted. But what causes this condition and what are your treatment options? Let's take a closer look.

Causes of Enlarged Uterus

Several different conditions can lead to an enlarged uterus, but many have overlapping symptoms in addition to changes in your womb.

Endometriosis

With endometriosis, the tissue lining your uterus develops outside the organ. This can lead to changes in uterine size, including enlargement, especially during your menstrual cycle. As a result, you may also notice heavy periods, pelvic pain, and these other signs of endometriosis. Additionally, like many women with fibroids (more on this condition below), many women with endometriosis will experience impacts on their fertility.

Fibroids

When you aren't pregnant, your uterus should be about the size of a closed fist. It grows to accommodate a developing fetus. But it can also expand when you develop fibroids, muscular growths that can form in the uterine cavity or wall. (They can also form outside of the uterus, maintaining a connection with stalk-like growths.)

When your fibroids grow large, they may also enlarge your uterus. How much expansion occurs will depend on the size and location of your fibroids.

Cancer

While far more rare, endometrial cancer can also cause uterine changes. Because of the many potential causes of this condition, it's important to seek medical attention right away when you notice changes in your body.

Enlarged Uterus: What are the Warning Signs?

While some women may notice bloating in the abdominal region, there are other symptoms of an enlarged uterus. These include long, painful and very heavy periods.  In fact, some women pass large clots during their cycle once their uterus becomes enlarged.

Other women will experience lower abdominal pain, or discomfort in their back, legs, abdomen or pelvis. For many, sex becomes painful.  Finally, women may notice other unpleasant symptoms such as constipation or incontinence as the uterus presses against the bladder and bowel.

When to Seek Treatment

Complications of an enlarged uterus depend on the underlying condition cause. No matter what, avoiding treatment can interfere with your quality of life. So, if you experience unpleasant symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating or weight gain, or long and heavy periods, talk to your healthcare provider right away. If fibroids are the cause of your enlarged uterus, our Houston fibroid specialists can help. With offices in Houston, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, Katy and the Woodlands, we are here to help resolve your fibroids, and improve the condition of your enlarged uterus. So Click here to request an appointment!