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What Is a Bulky Uterus?

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman

A bulky uterus, a condition that is also called adenomyosis, occurs when the endometrial lining grows into the muscle of the uterus. Women who have had children and are older than 30 are more likely to develop a bulky uterus. Although the condition is not the same as endometriosis, it does commonly affect women who also suffer from that condition, in which the endometrial lining grows in parts of the body other than the uterus. Some women have no symptoms, but others might experience heavy menstrual bleeding and cramps.

Several conditions might lead to a bulky uterus or adenomyosis, although the exact cause remains unknown. The condition can occur if the uterus becomes inflamed, such as immediately after a woman gives birth. It might also occur after a woman has had a Cesarean section, because the incision into the uterus allows the endometrial cells to invade the muscular walls of the uterus and to begin growing there. Another possible cause of a bulky uterus is endometrial cells that formed in the uterine muscles when the woman was a fetus.

Women over the age of 30 who have already had children are more likely to develop a bulky uterus.
Women over the age of 30 who have already had children are more likely to develop a bulky uterus.

In many cases, women who have a bulky uterus do not even know they have the condition. Very heavy bleeding during menstruation can be a sign of adenomyosis, as can passing blood clots during the period or bleeding between periods. Some women might have sharp cramps that grow worse as they get older, or they might experience pain during sex.

The uterus might swell to triple its usual size because of adenomyosis. Even if a woman has no other symptoms, she might notice that her abdomen is swollen or feels tender. A doctor might be able to diagnosis the condition by feeling the pelvic area. Other ways to diagnose a bulky uterus include ultrasound imaging or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, which will determine whether the woman has adenomyosis or a more serious condition, such as a tumor.

A bulky uterus may occur after a woman has had a Cesarean section.
A bulky uterus may occur after a woman has had a Cesarean section.

Usually, a bulky uterus will shrink back to normal after a woman goes through menopause, because estrogen plays a key role in causing the condition. Depending on how severe her symptoms are, a woman might need to take medication, such as anti-inflammatory pills or pain medicines, to cope with adenomyosis. Some women might use birth control to reduce pain and bleeding during periods. Occasionally, a hysterectomy might be necessary, especially if the woman is in a great deal of pain, doesn't plan on having more children and is still several years away from menopause.

Discussion Comments

anon323858

I am a 60 year old woman and already completed the menopause about eight or 10 years ago. Recently I had an ultrasound, where I was diagnosed with a bulky uterus. It shows as follows:

It is anteverted and bulky, having normal shape outline and echopattern. The midline echo is normal with normal thickness of endometrican. Uterine cavity is empty. Cervix is normal. Os is closed. No free fluid is seen in the pouch of douglas. Uterus measures 116.0 x 29.0 x 55.0 mms.

But there are no symptoms of bleeding/pain etc. Also recently I have had all kinds of tests, like a CA125, Pap smear, etc., which say that the report is normal.

But the doctor said due to my bulky uterus I need to have it removed, but I am very scared of it. I do not want to have surgery.

anon319991

Please help. I was just diagnosed via pelvic MRI with adenomyosis and a"possible" fibroid. I'm 44 years old and have had two children (13 years and 16 years). I have always had 'clockwork' periods, but after the children I had heavy periods with extremely heavy clots, not a great deal of pain, though -- in fact, none.

I had all my cramps suffering during high school and college, unless they were so bad that I don't even notice pain anymore in that area.

Anyway, I've had panic attacks, night sweats, weight gain and 'missed' periods for the last year and a half (started Fall 2011) and that's never happened to me before. My mother had a hysterectomy in her early 40's due to a serious pelvic infection so I can't use her as an example, however my maternal cousins have issues that began as early as 30 with menopause symptoms.

As for me, I've had all those above symptoms and since November 2012 have been bleeding straight going into the fourth month (February 2013). My doctor wants to remove my uterus, but she wants to leave the ovaries and cervix. Should I do this or maybe this is the grand finale and I'll go into menopause soon? I hate to have a surgery if this can all be 'cured' by menopause.

anon316738

What does it mean if the uterus is anteverted, gravid and bulky showing a regular and consistent uterine outline. I need an answer.

anon316670

Is having a bulky uterus is something to worry about where your health is concerned? Will it affect your health in any way? Please enlighten me with the correct information as my recent report revealed that I have a bulky uterus.

bythewell

@Iluviaporos - You are right, women should go and get themselves checked if they have these sorts of symptoms. It might turn out to be a bulky uterus, or it might be something else. The symptoms of a swollen uterus seem to be similar to a host of other conditions, and the only way to be sure which of them you have is by going to a doctor.

You can even just go to a family planning clinic which is usually much cheaper and are more likely to be willing to really listen to your troubles. Unfortunately, many doctors do brush off these complaints as just "womens' troubles", so you might need to go to a few places before someone will really take you seriously.

If possible, take notes of your symptoms and when they occur and for how long and how severe.

This kind of note taking will help you to be understood and taken seriously.

lluviaporos

This sounds like a terrible and painful condition. It is yet another reason not to grin and bear it when you experience pain or heavy bleeding during your monthly. I have known so many women who will just suffer through it, thinking that it is normal to hardly be able to walk from cramps, or to become anemic from losing so much blood.

They think it is their lot in life, and that they will be looked down on for complaining about what other women endure without a word. But, it's not normal, and often the condition is completely treatable, such as in this case. Just go and have a gynecological exam, tell the doctor your symptoms and if she can't explain them to you, go to another doctor until someone listens. You deserve to live a life free from pain.

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    • Women over the age of 30 who have already had children are more likely to develop a bulky uterus.
      By: inesbazdar
      Women over the age of 30 who have already had children are more likely to develop a bulky uterus.
    • A bulky uterus may occur after a woman has had a Cesarean section.
      By: Martin Valigursky
      A bulky uterus may occur after a woman has had a Cesarean section.
    • The uterus is part of the female reproductive system.
      By: fixer00
      The uterus is part of the female reproductive system.
    • Birth control can be taken to reduce the pain and bleeding associated with a bulky uterus.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Birth control can be taken to reduce the pain and bleeding associated with a bulky uterus.
    • Sharp cramps may be a sign of a bulky uterus.
      By: michaeljung
      Sharp cramps may be a sign of a bulky uterus.