There are many symptoms of a swollen uterus. The type of symptoms a woman experiences will depend on what causes the enlarged uterus. General symptoms include swelling of the abdomen, irregular bleeding, and pain in the pelvic region. Uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, ovarian cysts, and adenmyosis are the four causes of this condition.
Uterine fibroids are one of the most common causes of a swollen uterus. These non-cancerous growths can occur in the uterine wall, on the outside, or on the inside of the uterus. The presence of fibroids can cause bleeding, abdominal pain, or a lower back ache. Some women also experienced pain during intercourse and constipation.
A swollen uterus may also be caused by endometrial cancer. This condition occurs when cancerous tumors grow in the endometrium. Some common symptoms include trouble urinating and bleeding between menstrual cycles or after menopause. Pain during intercourse is also likely to occur.
Ovarian cysts are another cause of a swollen uterus. In this instance, an unhealthy uterus is not the problem. Cysts growing on or inside the ovaries cause the inflamed response of the uterus. Many occurrences of ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms and go undetected. When uterine swelling occurs, doctors look for ovarian cysts as a cause.
Adenomyosis is another common issue that can cause a swollen uterus. This condition occurs when the uterine lining begins growing into the muscular wall. Symptoms include abnormal menstrual cramping, passing of blood clots and heavy bleeding during menstruation, and bleeding in between periods.
One of the most common general symptoms associated with a swollen uterus is abnormal menstrual bleeding. This symptom is also known as menorrhagia. Bleeding can be in large amounts, intermittent, or cause periods that last longer than a normal period.
Sudden weight gain is another symptom of a swollen uterus. A woman’s weight tends to fluctuate naturally in small increments as a response to the menstrual cycle or hormone changes. When there’s no logical or explainable reason for this weight gain, an enlarged uterus may be the cause.
Properly diagnosing a swollen uterus is important. The right cause of the swelling is necessary in order to create a successful treatment plan. Diagnosis can be reached through various testing, including blood tests, laparoscopy, and endometrial biopsies.
Treatments will vary depending on the exact cause of the swelling. Hormonal therapy, radiation or chemotherapy, and surgery are common treatments for cancer. Other treatments are limited to prescription medications to reduce pain and inflammation for causes that are unknown.
