What Does it Mean to Have A Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus?
The size of a normal uterus can be compared to that of an apple. There may be numerous reasons for the uterus to become swollen or enlarged with the most common reason being a uterine fibroid. Uterine fibroids are benign muscular lesions or growths which tend to grow in the walls of the uterus causing pain and excessive bleeding.
A swollen uterus or enlarged uterus is generally a normal variant and not worrisome as long as what exactly is causing the swelling or enlargement of the uterus is identified. Uterine fibroids are harmless and just require periodic monitoring and there is nothing to worry about it, although if this is not the cause for swollen uterus or enlarged uterus then further investigations need to be done to rule out cancer of the uterus.
What are the Causes of Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus?
A uterus can become swollen or enlarged when you get pregnant. As stated above, uterine fibroids are also one of the causes of a Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus.
A condition called as Adenomyosis is also one of the causes for Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus. Adenomyosis is a condition in which there is abnormal growth of the inner lining of the uterus and starts to grow out of its boundaries to the outer portion of the uterus. This condition may be asymptomatic but apart from a Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus can also cause heavy and painful menstrual bleeding. The more significant and serious causes of Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus is uterine cancer or cancer of the ovaries.
What are the Symptoms of Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus?
In case if you have Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus for some period of time you may not even notice it and only your OB/GYN can observe it during a routine physical examination. In some cases imaging studies done for some other medical condition may identify Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus. Symptoms associated with Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus is:
- Irregular bleeding
- Painful heavy periods
- Painful sex
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdominal area or pelvis.
How is Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus Diagnosed?
As stated above, an OB/GYN can identify Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus during a routine physical examination even though you may not even feel it. In case if you have Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus then it becomes very important to find a cause of it whether it be pregnancy, uterine fibroids or others. For this, the best way to identify the cause of Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus is imaging studies in the form of an MRI or CT scan along with sonography which will give a clear cut diagnosis for Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus.
How is Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus Treated?
The treatment for Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus depends on what is causing it. In cases of a uterine cancer or cancer of the ovaries then surgical removal of the uterus is the route to go for treatment along with the tubes and ovaries. This will be followed by adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy.
In case if swelling or enlargement of the Uterus is caused due to uterine fibroids then routine observation is the way to go, although there are certain home remedies to bring the swelling of the uterus down to normal level.
Home Remedies for Swollen Uterus or Enlarged Uterus are:
Chaste-Berry: It is a herb which is effective in increasing the progesterone level in the body. Once the progesterone level increases in the body then it effectively reduces the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Chaste-Berry as a home remedy for swollen uterus or enlarged uterus can be used either as a supplement or can be mixed in tea and taken. For optimal results, Chaste-Berry should be mixed with raspberry and taken.
Castor Oil: This is also a very helpful home remedy for uterine fibroids and reducing the swelling or enlargement of the uterus. You need to make a pack of castor oil by taking a cotton ball and dipping it in castor oil. Now, keep the cotton ball in a microwave over for a couple of seconds and then place the warm cotton on the swollen part of the abdomen. You can also put a hot water bag on top of it for it to be more effective. Lie down and rest while the pack is on your abdomen so that it does not fall off. This is an effective home remedy in treating swollen uterus or enlarged uterus.
Soybean: Try and incorporate soybean in your diet as it is also helpful for uterine fibroids and in turn a helpful home remedy for swollen uterus or enlarged uterus.
Flaxseed: This is also helpful home remedy for uterine fibroids as it contains large amounts of fiber and omega III fatty acids which calms down inflammation and swelling anywhere in the body including swollen uterus or enlarged uterus.
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