A bulky uterus is a term used to describe an enlarged uterus. Various conditions, such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometrial hyperplasia, can cause this. Women with a bulky uterus often wonder about their fertility and the possibility of becoming pregnant. Though a bulky uterus causes some challenges, it does not necessarily preclude the ability to conceive.
In this article, you will explore the implications of a bulky uterus on fertility and provide insights into potential treatments and management strategies for women looking to conceive.
Can you get pregnant with a bulky uterus?
YES, it is possible. Not every type of bulky uterus causes trouble during the time of fertility. Women get bulky uteruses even after the delivery. Various factors such as non-cancerous growth and hormonal imbalance are the common causes of bulky uterus.
The uterus is classified into three parts:- the body, fundus, and cervix.
Generally, when the uterus is larger than its normal size, we can call it a bulky uterus. The normal size is about 8 cm long, 5 cm across, and 4 cm thick, and it is pear-shaped. If this exceeds, hence it is bulky.
Causes of bulky uterus:
Most women are not aware of the reason for the bulky uterus. In most cases, women can observe the changes in their body daily. They can feel slight changes in the size of their stomach as it enlarges, and the clothes they wear are not much the usual size.
Apart from this, there are various reasons which cause women’s uterus to be bulky. Let us have clear information in brief.
1. Uterine Fibroids
The most common cause of an enlarged uterus is because of Uterine Fibroids. Fibroids look like small lumps which weigh several pounds but are non-cancerous.
The growth of the uterine fibroid is made with muscle and tissue on the wall of the uterus. Commonly, these uterine fibroids develop before the age of 50.
The researchers may not find an accurate reason for the causes of uterine fibroids. However, studies suggest that it might be genetics and prolonged exposure to estrogen.
2. Adenomyosis
Doctors may not have a clear idea about what factors cause Adenomyosis. However, this adenomyosis depends on estrogen. Compared to younger women, women aged 40 to 50 are mostly affected.
It is because of the larger exposure to estrogen. However, doctors believe theories such as Invasive tissue growth, Developmental origins, and stem cell origin are also the reasons for adenomyosis.
3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS
Most women, after puberty, will be facing a common hormonal problem, PCOS. Because the ovaries may not ovulate, and the androgens will be at a higher level.
Women may face irregular periods, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne, which often impacts the size of the uterus.
4. Reproductive Cancer
The presence of cancer in the reproductive organs is known as reproductive cancer. Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer are the most common cancers in women.
This type of cancer involves the growth of tumors, inflammatory responses, hormonal changes, and the spread of cancer to adjacent tissues. Early detection and treatment are crucial to manage these cancers and prevent complications such as uterine enlargement.
5. Perimenopause
Perimenopause is a stage in the menstrual cycle in which women attain menopause, which is the last stage in the period cycle. The other term is also known as Menopausal transaction.
During perimenopause, the balance between estrogen and progesterone often becomes disrupted. Estrogen levels may remain high while progesterone levels drop, a condition known as estrogen dominance.
In another case, Endometrial hyperplasia refers to the abnormal thickening of the uterine lining due to prolonged estrogen stimulation without adequate progesterone.
This condition can cause the uterus to appear bulky and is more common during perimenopause when hormonal imbalances are prevalent.
Symptoms of an enlarged uterus:
In general, symptoms of an enlarged uterus can include abnormal menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen. Other signs may involve frequent urination, difficulty with bowel movements, and back pain.
Here are some common symptoms that help you identify whether it is a bulky uterus easily.
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, irregular periods, or spotting between periods.
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
- A sensation of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen.
- Increased need to urinate due to pressure on the bladder, i.e., no control and can’t able to hold urine for a while.
- Constipation or other bowel-related issues caused by pressure on the intestines.
- Lower back pain resulting from the enlarged uterus pressing on surrounding structures.
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
- Swelling or bloating in the abdominal area.
What are the Different Treatments to Cure Bulky Uterus?
Usually, treatment differs according to the causes of the bulky uterus. You can undergo some of the treatments in the fertility hospital to recover from that. The various treatments are
- Myomectomy
- Medications
- Hormonal Progesterone
- Uterine Artery Embolization
Myomectomy is the removal of the fibroids in the uterus. Fibroids can be removed either through a small or a large incision(an opening made with a sharp tool).
Medications such as Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs, and hormonal therapies can remove fibroids adenomyosis. Oral contraceptive pills or GnRH agonists are the common medications to remove adenomyosis.
Hormonal Progesterone is a very safe and successful treatment that is used to remove the bulky uterus as it prevents the uterus from getting thicker.
Uterine Artery Embolization is one of the common treatments to cure the bulky uterus. Small particles such as polyvinyl alcohol made of biocompatible will be injected to block the blood flow.
It blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, reducing the size of the uterus and relieving associated symptoms. This procedure offers benefits, including shorter recovery times and preservation of the uterus, making it an attractive option for many women.
Conclusion
There is a chance of getting pregnant even if you have a bulky uterus with a lower risk. But if you face a higher risk, you must take measurable steps to get pregnant.
In summary, while a bulky uterus can present challenges to conception and pregnancy, many women can achieve a healthy pregnancy with the right medical interventions and support.
Visit the fertility doctors nearby and ask for the best treatment suggestions immediately. There is a greater chance of getting pregnant.
If estrogen and progesterone levels are more or less than normal, the size of the uterus becomes large. Other factors like uterine fibroids and adenomyosis also cause an enlarged bulky uterus. Sometimes it can be a postpartum effect of pregnancy.
Having a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, doing regular exercise, stress management, and keeping your body hydrated may help to reduce your bulky uterus naturally.
If your uterus becomes large because of your previous pregnancy, it shrinks naturally. Other than this, it won’t shrink. Better go for a treatment like medication, non-surgical procedure, surgical option, lifestyle & home remedies to reduce the size of the uterus.
If your scan report shows that your uterus is bulky, then my suggestion is to go and visit a nearby doctor as to what treatment is better to cure the bulky uterus.
Reproductive cancer can be cured if you get awareness at an early stage. It can be cured by many treatments like surgery, radiation therapy targeted therapy, and medications to get normal.
