Uterus

The uterus (or womb) is a pear-shaped muscular organ located in the pelvic region of females, between the bladder and the rectum. Its main function is to provide a place for a fertilized egg to implant and develop into a fetus during pregnancy. The uterus is made up of several layers of tissue, including the endometrium (inner lining), myometrium (muscular middle layer) and the perimetrium (outer lining). The uterus is connected to the fallopian tubes on either side, through which the egg travels to the uterus for fertilization.

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During pregnancy, the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus, and it also contracts during labor to push the baby out through the cervix and vagina. After childbirth, the uterus returns to its non-pregnant size, and in females who have gone through menopause, the uterus will shrink and the endometrium will become thin. Uterine problems can include fibroids, endometriosis, and cancer, among others.

What is a uterus?

The uterus, also known as the womb, is a pear-shaped muscular organ located in the pelvic region of females. Its main function is to provide a place for a fertilized egg to implant and develop into a fetus during pregnancy. The uterus is made up of several layers of tissue, including the endometrium (inner lining), myometrium (muscular middle layer) and the perimetrium (outer lining). The uterus is connected to the fallopian tubes on either side, through which the egg travels to the uterus for fertilization. During pregnancy, the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus and contracts during labor to push the baby out through the cervix and vagina. After childbirth, the uterus returns to its non-pregnant size. In females who have gone through menopause, the uterus will shrink and the endometrium will become thin.

Urerus Location :

The uterus sits in the middle of the pelvis, behind the bladder and in front of the rectum. The actual position of the uterus within the pelvis varies from person to person. Each position has its own name:

• Anteverted uterus. An anteverted uterus tips slightly forward.
• Retroverted uterus. A retroverted uterus bends slightly backward.

Both of these positions are normal, and the position of the uterus can change throughout a woman’s life, most frequently after a pregnancy.

Anatomy and Function:

Fundus
The fundus is the upper part of the uterus. It’s broad and curved. The fallopian tubes attach to the uterus just below the fundus.

Corpus
The corpus is the main body of the uterus. It’s very muscular and can stretch to accommodate a developing fetus. During labor, the muscular walls of the corpus contract to help push the baby through the cervix and vagina.

Isthmus

The portion of the uterus between the corpus and the cervix is called the isthmus. This is where the walls of the uterus begin to narrow toward the cervix.

Cervix

The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus. It’s lined with a smooth mucous membrane and connects the uterus to the vagina. Glands in the cervical lining usually produce a thick mucus. However, during ovulation, this becomes thinner to allow sperm to easily pass into the uterus.

The cervix has three main parts:

• Endocervix. This is the inner part of the cervix that leads to the uterus.
• Cervical canal. The cervical canal links the uterus to the vagina.
• Exocervix. The exocervix is the outer part of the cervix that protrudes into the vagina.

During childbirth, the cervix dilates (widens) to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Symptoms of a uterine problem

The symptoms of many uterine conditions share some main symptoms, including:

• very heavy periods
• bleeding between periods
• unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• pelvic or lower-back pain
• pain during menstruation or intercourse
• pain during urination or bowel movements

Contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. Using your medical history and physical exam, they can help to narrow down what might be causing them.

Diseases involving the uterus

There may be several pathologies and disease conditions involving the uterus. These include:

• Uterine prolapse
• Congenital abnormality of the uterus including congenital absence of the uterus Rokitansky Syndrome and others like Uterine Didelphys, bicornuate uterus and septate uterus
• Benign or non-malignant tumors of the uterus or uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• Cervix cancer
• Cancer of the endometrium or uterine cancer
• Pyometra – infection of the uterus
• Adhesions within the uterus or Asherman’s syndrome

Uterus during menstruation

What happens to your uterus during menstruation?

During menstruation, the uterus goes through a series of changes to prepare for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the uterus sheds its lining, which is called the endometrium, and menstrual blood is expelled from the body through the cervix and vagina.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones produced by the ovaries and the pituitary gland. The cycle is usually 28 days long, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days. The first day of the cycle is considered the first day of menstruation.

During the first half of the menstrual cycle, the ovaries release estrogen, which causes the endometrium to thicken and become rich in blood vessels. An egg is released from the ovary, and if it is fertilized by a sperm, it will implant in the endometrium and pregnancy will occur.

If the egg is not fertilized, the levels of estrogen and progesterone, another hormone released by the ovaries, decline. This causes the thickened endometrium to start breaking down and shedding. The shedding of the endometrium is what causes the bleeding that is associated with menstruation.

The menstrual bleeding typically lasts for 3 to 7 days and the amount of blood loss varies from person to person. The uterus then starts preparing again for a new cycle.

Some women may experience cramps, bloating, headaches, or mood swings during their menstrual period. These symptoms are caused by the release of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause the uterus to contract.

Uterus During Pregnancy

What happens to your uterus during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes several changes to accommodate the growing fetus.

When a fertilized egg implants in the endometrium, it releases hormones that signal to the body that pregnancy has occurred. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and instead produce progesterone, which helps to maintain the pregnancy. The endometrium thickens and becomes rich in blood vessels, providing nourishment for the growing fetus.

As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus. The uterus moves upward and forward, eventually reaching the level of the belly button around 12 weeks. The uterus also stretches and the walls thicken to prepare for the baby’s delivery.

The cervix, which is the opening of the uterus, remains closed and firm throughout the pregnancy to protect the developing fetus. The amniotic sac, which surrounds the fetus, provides a fluid-filled environment that cushions and protects the baby.

As the pregnancy reaches full term, the uterus continues to grow, reaching the level of the ribcage. The baby’s head typically settles into the pelvis, preparing for delivery. When the time comes, the uterus contracts to push the baby out through the cervix and vagina during the process of labor and delivery.

During pregnancy, the uterus also changes in shape and size and it can be used as a marker for the progress of pregnancy. The measurement of the uterus is usually done by ultrasound, and it’s called fundal height.

Tests and Diagnoses

What tests diagnose conditions of the uterus?

There are several tests that can be used to diagnose conditions of the uterus. Some of the most common tests include:

1. Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam is a routine examination that allows a healthcare provider to assess the size and shape of the uterus, as well as detect any abnormalities or lumps.
2. Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the uterus and the surrounding organs. It can be used to detect fibroids, cysts, and other abnormalities.
3. Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the uterus. It can be used to detect abnormal growths, such as polyps or cancer, as well as to diagnose abnormal bleeding or infertility.
4. Laparoscopy: A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the abdomen and pelvis. It can be used to diagnose endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions that affect the uterus.
5. MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of the uterus and surrounding organs. It can be used to detect uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, and other conditions.
6. Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can indicate certain conditions of the uterus.

It’s important to note that a diagnosis of any condition of the uterus often requires a combination of examination, imaging, and laboratory tests, in addition to the patient’s symptoms, medical history and physical examination.

Removal Of Uterus

What is the removal of your uterus called?

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed. The surgery can be performed through an incision in the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy) or through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) or by using laparoscopic technique (laparoscopic hysterectomy). The surgery is done under general anesthesia.

Hysterectomy may be performed for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Uterine fibroids: benign tumors that grow in the uterus
2. Endometriosis: a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it
3. Uterine prolapse: a condition in which the uterus drops into the vaginal canal
4. Cancer of the uterus or ovaries
5. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
6. Chronic pelvic pain

The decision to have a hysterectomy is a personal one and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. It’s important to note that a hysterectomy is a major surgery, and it will affect the person’s reproductive function and hormone levels depending on which parts are removed.

Hysterectomy can have both short and long-term side effects, and the recovery time can vary depending on the type of surgery and the person’s overall health. It’s important to discuss with the healthcare provider the risks and benefits of the procedure and the recovery process.

Hysterectomy is a common procedure, but it is not the only option for treating conditions of the uterus, and in some cases, alternative treatments such as medication, or less invasive procedures may be considered.

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