What is the size of the uterus

Parameters for the determination of uterine size

To some extent, these parameters are determined by the constitution of the body and the age of the woman. In many respects they depend on the number of pregnancies, abortions, childbirth, the transferred diseases and other factors. Thus, the size of the uterus in different women will be different. Nevertheless, there are limits that determine the norm of the healthy uterus.

In this case, operate with four main indicators:

- longitudinal dimension, that is, length;

- transverse dimension - width,

- anteroposterior size

- and the thickness of the uterus.

One of the most accurate methods for determining the size of the uterus is ultrasound through the abdominal wall or through transvaginal scanning.

Natural changes in the size of the uterus: the main periods

The size of the uterus changes in accordance with certain important periods and moments in the life of a woman, namely: with the onset of puberty, during pregnancy and during the period of postmenopause.

In a newborn girl, the uterus is about four centimeters long. Next is the period of involution, during which the uterus decreases in size and about a year becomes almost half as large. It begins to grow actively from about seven years until the end of puberty.

For a mature woman who has not yet given birth, the size of the uterus is normal, if the length, including the cervix, is 7-7.9 cm, the width is 3-3.9 cm, the anteroposterior dimension is in the range of 2 to 4.5 Cm and, finally, the thickness of the uterus - from 2 to 4 cm.

During the gestation period, the uterus grows naturally and can reach 32 cm in length and up to 20 cm in width. In the postpartum period, the uterus begins to shrink at a rapid pace and returns to its previous dimensions. However, in the case of the first or second pregnancy, it will be somewhat larger than it was before conception, adding one to two centimeters to each parameter. Thus, now the norm for the length of the uterus of the woman giving birth will be 8 or 9.2 cm, the width will approach 5 cm, the thickness will be from 2.9 to 5.1 cm, and the anteroposterior size will be 4-6 cm. As a result of subsequent pregnancies The size of the uterus is practically unchanged.

The uterus may change slightly in size, if a woman's pregnancy has ended with miscarriage or an abortion. Especially it concerns the length, which can increase to half a centimeter.

It should not be forgotten that the size of the uterus largely depends on the constitution and size of the woman, therefore the definition of the size for each woman is individual. The specified framework of the norm is only a guideline, but not necessarily a dogma.

Uterus enlargement due to pathologies

It should be noted that an increase in the size of the uterus may also indicate the occurrence of certain diseases. A similar symptom is usually accompanied by myoma, adenomyosis, cancer, ovarian cyst.

A common cause of uterine enlargement is myoma, which is a benign fibrous tumor in the uterus. A small myoma, which does not cause any special discomfort, does not carry health risks.

Another disease, often found in many women, is a cyst that is a formation in the ovary, filled with fluid. Usually it does not cause any particular inconvenience and eventually passes by itself, but in some cases gives complications, in which the size of the uterus increases.

Adenomyosis, in which the endometrium of the uterus grows , occurs in women, usually after thirty years. This disease is characterized by severe pain.

A cancerous tumor in the endometrium of the uterus, which leads to an increase in its size, most often appears during menopause.

The presence of diseases is indicated by painful sensations in the back, pelvis or abdomen, as well as during urination or sexual intercourse. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately be examined by a gynecologist.

Thus, to determine the size of the uterus is best to consult a doctor who, based on the testimony of ultrasound at different times, given the individual and age characteristics of women, as well as the history of her illness, will be able to answer the question of what size the uterus should be exactly for this particular woman .