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What Is the Normal Size for a Uterus - Do you have Enlarged Uterus?

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: July 20, 2017
What Is the Normal Size for a Uterus - Do you have Enlarged Uterus?

The uterus is the organ in which the gestation of new life is carried out. It is the largest area within the apparatus of the female reproductive system. It is no secret that a healthy uterus is essential, not only for a normal pregnancy but also to ensure the well-being of the female body. And an important aspect on which to be clear is the standard measures of this organ, which partly reflects that this is in good condition. The size of the uterus it is 49.6 x 40.6 mm on average, although it varies depending on the age of a woman. That is why we at oneHOWTO explain what is the normal size of a uterus.

You may also be interested in: What Size Should Normal Ovaries Be

Contents

  1. What is the role of the uterus
  2. What is the normal size for a uterus
  3. What conditions affect the size of the uterus
  4. Why do I have an enlarged uterus?

What is the role of the uterus

The uterus or womb is the organ responsible for the gestation of the foetus. It is in this area that the egg, fertilized by sperm, will attach itself and stay for almost 40 weeks, growing until the time of birth. Every month, the walls of the uterus thicken to prepare for implantation. When implantation does not occur, the walls are shed, releasing blood, which is the period.

What is the normal size for a uterus

The size of the uterus varies over time, changing over infancy and puberty, reaching its definitive length when puberty ends. Once puberty has ended, we find different sized uterus, which are classified as follows:

  • Nulliparous uterus: A nulliparous uterus is one that has never exceeded a 20 week pregnancy. A woman with a nulliparous uterus will have a smaller uterus than one with a multiparous uterus.
  • Multiparous uterus: A multiparous uterus defines one that has carried more than one pregnancy through, or has at least exceeded 20 weeks gestation. The more pregnancies, the larger the uterus

The normal size for a uterus fluctuates between 6 and 9 cm in length or height, 3 and 4 cm (1.25 and 1.5 in) in width and between 2 and 3 centimeters (0.75 and 1.25 in) in thickness. This may vary slightly depending on the number of pregnancies a woman may have gone through or the stage of life in which she is, however it is important that it is maintained within those rough measurements.

What Is the Normal Size for a Uterus - Do you have Enlarged Uterus? - What is the normal size for a uterus

What conditions affect the size of the uterus

Having a normal sized uterus is an indication of good health and suggests that this organ is in good shape. There are several gynaecological conditions that may affect the size of the uterus making it smaller or larger, notable among these are:

  • Obviously, the uterus will grow during pregnancy. More specifically, its growth will start during the first trimester, typically during week 12 of pregnancy, and will even move upwards as it no longer fits in the pelvis area. In fact,gynecologists will often refer to the size of a uterus of a pregnant person referring to the months of the fetus. For example, a uterus measuring 32 centimeters is a 32 week uterus. A uterus takes around six weeks to return to its original size, though you should take into account it may not return to its nulliparous state.
  • Menopause, due to the hormone imbalance which it produces it leads to reduction in uterus size.
  • Thickening of the uterus wall, or Endometrial hyperplasia.
  • Uterine prolapse, which generates a decrease in its dimensions.
  • Cysts or fibromas in the womb, which alter its size.
  • Adenomyosis, when endometrial begins to grow in the outer layer of the uterus, namely in the myometrium, increasing its size.

If you have had irregular periods, with little bleeding or excessive bleeding, the absence of periods without a pregnancy or frequent delays, it is recommended you visit a gynaecologist for a check up.

Why do I have an enlarged uterus?

An enlarged uterus size is generally considered when it exceeds 9 cm x 4 x 3 cm. Women over 30 and those who have undergone a c-section are more prone to an enlarged uterus. Although you should go to the gynecologist to confirm the underlying reason behind an enlarged uterus, at oneHOWTO we'd like to let you know about the reasons for an enlarged uterus, according to the department of Radiology at Kyoto University[1]:

  • Fibroids: These are tumors that are completely benign. They grow on the uterus wall, although they can also cause certain pain and bleeding. Women who are overweight and over 30 are more prone to the fibroid development.
  • Adenomyosis: This is the medical name given to the thickening of the muscles in the uterus. Longer menstrual cycles, painful intercourse and periods are all symptoms of adenomyosis. Although the source of the problem has not yet been proven, several sources indicate that it is due to an increase in estrogen levels. This condition is more likely in women with a multiparous uterus.
  • Endometrial or Uterine cancer: A high increase in estrogen levels can also cause endometrial cancer. In this case, you will notice pelvic pain, blood in your discharge (not your period and pain during intercourse. On the other hand uterine cancer is defined by very similar symptoms and can be caused by the presence of HPV.

If you have an enlarged uterus, make sure you have a CT scan and an ultrasound so your gynecologist can discard any serious conditions.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What Is the Normal Size for a Uterus - Do you have Enlarged Uterus?, we recommend you visit our Family health category.

References
  1. http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/radiology.171.2.2704819
Bibliography
  • Merz, Emily, et al. "Sonographic size of uterus and ovaries in preā€and postmenopausal women." Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology 7.1 (1996): 38-42.
  • Langlois, P. L. "The size of the normal uterus." The Journal of reproductive medicine 4.6 (1970): 220.
  • Togashi, Kaori, et al. "Enlarged uterus: differentiation between adenomyosis and leiomyoma with MR imaging." Radiology 171.2 (1989): 531-534.

Write a comment

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2 comments
Kathy Mcmillen
My uterus is 10.2cm x5.4cmx5.2cm witha volume of 151 ml. Is that normal in size?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Kathy,

Unfortunately we cannot comment on the health of your uterus as there are so many factors (general health, specific conditions, methods of measurement, body size and type, etc.) to be taken into consideration. This article is only to be used as a general guideline. Only a qualified medical professional would be able to perform an examination and determine if there is a health concern. If you want peace of mind, we recommend making an appointment. Good luck and we hope all is well!
Shanthi
I have enlarged uterus , just now found. after consulting with the doctor, now i am able to feel the weight of the abdomen, not feeling comfort while sitting etc. , to know more details just I browsed.
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What Is the Normal Size for a Uterus - Do you have Enlarged Uterus?