Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Banam Sravanthi

Enlarged Uterus

An enlarged uterus means that the uterus has grown bigger than its normal size. It is naturally expected during pregnancy, but enlargement at other times can be caused by health conditions like fibroids, adenomyosis or hormonal changes.

Many women are unaware of it until they experience symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or bloating. Early diagnosis is important to understand the cause and decide the right treatment.

What is an Enlarged Uterus?

The uterus is a muscular organ in a woman’s pelvis, normally about the size of a fist. An enlarged uterus occurs when it expands beyond its typical size due to reasons such as:

An ultrasound or pelvic exam is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Is Uterine Enlargement Dangerous?

In most cases, an enlarged uterus is not life-threatening, especially when caused by benign conditions like fibroids or adenomyosis. However, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive if not managed properly. In rare cases, enlargement could be linked to more serious problems like uterine cancer, which is why medical evaluation is essential.

What to Do If the Uterus Is Enlarged

If your uterus is enlarged, here’s what you should do:

Symptoms of uterine enlargement

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of an enlarged uterus that a woman might experience:

Causes of Uterine Enlargement

1. Uterine fibroids

These Uterine fibroids non-cancerous growths in the uterus often lead to an enlarged uterus due to their size and presence.

2. Adenomyosis

This condition occurs when the tissue lining the uterus begins to grow into the uterine wall, causing enlargement and often accompanied by painful symptoms.

3. Endometrial hyperplasia

Thickening of the uterine lining, commonly due to hormonal imbalances, can result in an enlarged uterus.

4. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Infections of the female reproductive organs can lead to Pelvic inflammatory disease and enlargement of the uterus.

5. Endometrial polyps

Overgrowths of tissue in the uterine lining may cause enlargement and irregular bleeding, often necessitating treatment.

6. Uterine cancer

Cancerous growths within the uterus can progressively enlarge the organ as the disease advances.

7. Pregnancy-related causes

Conditions such as molar pregnancies or carrying multiple fetuses can temporarily enlarge the uterus during gestation.

What Problems Can Occur If the Uterus is Enlarged?

An enlarged uterus can lead to several health concerns like:

These symptoms can affect daily life and may worsen if the condition is left untreated.

Treatment for Enlarged Uterus

1. Medicines:

Depending on the underlying cause, medications such as hormonal therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or antibiotics can be prescribed to manage symptoms or shrink fibroids.

2. Surgery

Surgical interventions like myomectomy (removal of fibroids), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or endometrial ablation (destroying the uterine lining) may be recommended for severe cases or when fertility is not a concern.

3. Uterine artery embolisation

This minimally invasive procedure involves blocking the blood supply to fibroids, leading to their shrinkage and reduction in uterine size.

4. Hormonal therapies

Birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists), or progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms associated with an enlarged uterus.

Diet Tips for Uterine Health

What you eat can influence hormone levels, inflammation and overall uterine health. Here are some dietary suggestions:

Foods to Eat during Uterus Enlargement

Foods to Avoid during Uterus Enlargement

Home Remedies for an Enlarged Uterus

Frequently Asked Questions