Content
The volume of the uterus is measured through imaging tests requested by the gynecologist, in which the volume between 50 and 90 cm3 for adult women is considered normal. However, the volume of the uterus may vary according to the woman's age, hormonal stimulation and gestational age, in which case an increase in the volume of the uterus may be observed due to the presence of the developing fetus.
Although most causes of changes in the uterus are considered normal, if signs and symptoms such as difficulty conceiving, spontaneous abortions, irregular menstruation or heavy flow, pain and discomfort when urinating or during sexual intercourse and severe cramps are seen, it is important to consult the gynecologist to investigate the cause of the symptoms and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.
How to know the volume of the uterus
The volume of the uterus is assessed by the gynecologist through imaging tests, such as transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound, mainly. Thus, during the exam, the doctor can check the length, width and thickness of the uterus, making it possible to calculate its volume.
These tests are usually performed as a routine, being indicated at least once a year, however they can also be ordered when the woman shows signs and symptoms of changes. It is important to pay attention to the exam requested by the gynecologist, because in the case of abdominal ultrasound, for example, you need to fast for 6 to 8 hours, as well as leave your bladder full. Understand how abdominal ultrasound is done.
What can change
Variation in the size of the uterus is often considered normal and, therefore, treatment is not necessary. However, when associated signs or symptoms appear, it is important for the doctor to indicate the performance of other gynecological and blood tests, in addition to imaging tests, so that the cause of the variation in the size of the uterus is identified and, thus, the most appropriate treatment.
Some of the situations in which the change in the volume of the uterus can be observed are:
1. Pregnancy
It is common to see an increase in the volume of the uterus as the pregnancy develops, because the baby needs more space to develop properly. In addition, if the woman has had two or more pregnancies, it is also normal for an increase in uterine volume to be observed.
2. Age of the woman
As the woman develops, the uterus increases in size while there is development and maturation of the other sexual organs, being then considered a natural process of the body. Thus, the normal value of uterine volume can vary according to the person's age, being lower in the case of children and increasing over time.
3. Hormonal stimulation
Hormonal stimulation is usually performed by women who have difficulty getting pregnant, because through the use of hormones it is possible to stimulate ovulation and guarantee the uterine conditions that favor the embryo implantation, which may interfere with the uterine volume.
4. Menopause
Menopause is a natural process in the body in which a decrease in uterine volume is normally observed. In this case, to confirm that the decrease in volume is in fact related to menopause, the gynecologist indicates the measurement of hormones, which confirm the period in which the woman is. Check out some tests that confirm menopause.
5. Infant uterus
The infant uterus, also known as hypoplastic uterus or hypotrophic hypogonadism, is a congenital disorder in which the woman's uterus does not develop, remaining the same volume and size as childhood. Understand what it is and how to identify the infant uterus.
6. Gynecological changes
The presence of fibroids, fibroids, endometriosis or tumors in the uterus can also cause changes in the volume of the uterus, and there may also be signs and symptoms such as bleeding, back pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse, for example, and should be investigated by the doctor so that the most appropriate treatment can be started.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- CARDOZO, Renan F. The volume of the cervix in pregnancy: comparison between two-dimensional and three-dimensional sonographic affection. Master's thesis, 2018. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - National Institute of Health for Women, Children and Adolescents Fernandes Figueira.
- CASIKAR, I .; MONGELLI, M .; REID, S .; CONDOUS, G. Estimation of uterine volume: A comparison between Viewpoint and 3D ultrasound estimation in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. Australas J Ultrasound Med. Vol 18. 1 ed; 27-32, 2015