There are many ways that your body can alert you to problems. The uterus isn’t any different. If you experience specific symptoms, you may have an underlying medical issue that you need to address. But you need to know which indicators are irregular so that you can take action. Here’s a look at uterine diseases, causes and five signs something is wrong with your uterus.

The Uterus: Its Location and Purpose

Your uterus is a hollow, muscular organ that sits in your pelvis behind your bladder. It’s a part of your overall reproductive system. You’ll find your fallopian tubes and ovaries on either side. Those parts work together with your vagina to have children.

Your uterus sheds lining every month during your period. If you become pregnant, your uterus serves as your womb to grow your baby. It expands throughout nine months to accommodate your baby’s size. Your uterus shrinks back to its regular size within weeks after birth.

Common Uterus Issues and Causes

It’s possible to experience a range of problems with your uterus. In many cases, you can treat your concern with medical care. That said, you might need to have a hysterectomy to remove your uterus. Take a look at a few common uterus issues and causes.

Endometrial Hyperplasia

This condition causes your uterus’s inner lining to become too thick. As a result, you experience abnormal bleeding and vaginal discharge. You might eventually get uterine cancer when you have adenomyosis in addition to endometrial hyperplasia. It’s also common to have endometriosis.

Dysmenorrhea and Menorrhagia

These concerns are related to your menstruation cycle. 

Dysmenorrhea leads to severe pain during your period because of excessive hormones. This discomfort happens in the form of abdominal cramps. It’s usually treatable through medication or therapy.

Menorrhagia causes extreme menstrual bleeding as a result of uterine fibroids, birth control and more. You can be treated for menorrhagia with medication.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID causes discomfort in your pelvic region, which is one of the signs something is wrong with your uterus. This concern happens when bacteria enter your cervix. It causes an infection that spreads upward into your uterus. PID may cause scarring. Fortunately, you can get antibiotics to get rid of PID.

These are only a few examples of uterine concerns that you might have. It can help to identify your symptoms so that you can narrow down whether anything has changed. 

Uterine Polyps

The uterus is lined with a layer of tissue called endometrium.  Sometimes, the cells in the lining grow at an overwhelming size — up to the same size as a golf ball or even larger — expanding to the uterus and resulting in uterine polyps. These polyps or overgrown cells are typically noncancerous, although some cases can develop into a precancerous stage. This condition is common in people in the menopausal and postmenopausal stages. 

Uterine polyps can cause heavy periods or vaginal bleeding after menopause. Medications and surgery are the primary forms of treatment. You should see a doctor to get treated and to determine the severity of the condition.  

Risk Factors for Uterine Issues

Just as unique health dynamics contribute to a heart condition, the factors leading to uterine diseases also vary and can sometimes even be genetic.

In a case study of perimenopausal, researchers found that the factors attributing to abnormal uterine include the following:

• Age: Women over 50 are more likely to experience abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Body mass index: Women with BMI classified as obese are likely to suffer the same problem.
• Intrauterine device: An IUD in placement during the perimenopausal stage can also lead to abnormal bleeding.

If you experience symptoms of potential uterus problems, consult your doctor immediately for advice. Early diagnosis can significantly increase the chance of successfully reversing the disease. Moreover, precursors of a uterus issue may manifest when you approach menopause. Be sure to pay more attention to your well-being so you can easily notice the signs of compromised health.

5 Signs You Need To Get Checked for Uterus Problems

Here are five signs something is wrong with your uterus.

1. Pelvic or Back Discomfort

If you frequently feel pain in your pelvis or back, you may have a uterine issue. Both polyps and fibroids are uterine growths that cause discomfort in those areas. It’s crucial to consult your doctor when you have pelvic or backaches alongside other symptoms.

2. Irregular Periods

Your menstrual cycle is unique to you. For example, you may have a heavier and longer flow than your friend or skip certain months because of birth control. That said, your period should still come somewhat consistently with minor discomfort.

If you experience heavy bleeding for more than a week, you may have menorrhagia. Those symptoms, coupled with pain, could lead to a dysmenorrhea or endometriosis diagnosis.

3. Frequent Urination

Have you ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI)? If so, you know that a frequent urge to urinate isn’t normal. It’s smart to visit your doctor when you seem to be urinating more than usual. You might only have a UTI, but you should be safe rather than sorry. This symptom may be a sign of uterine cancer.

4. Pain During or After Intercourse

You shouldn’t feel extreme discomfort during or after intercourse. This pain can be a sign of many uterine conditions. That’s especially true when you experience another symptom like lower back pain. If your intercourse-related discomfort doesn’t go away, you should visit your physician.

5. Infertility

Are you having issues getting pregnant? This problem might have to do with something related to your uterus. If something is wrong, your entire reproductive system may be compromised, affecting your ability to conceive. Be sure to express your concerns about fertility to your doctor.

When It’s a Smart Idea to See Your Doctor

If you experience one or more of these signs, you should bring your concerns to your doctor’s attention. They’ll likely refer you to an OBG-YN who may conduct a pelvic exam or pap smear to see whether anything is wrong. There are several ways to treat uterine issues.

In general, it’s always best to be upfront with your physician about your health concerns. This way, you can take the right steps to fix things while avoiding further problems.

Keep an Eye Out for These Potential Uterus Issues

A problem with your uterus can lead to long-term damage. It’s essential to play an active role in your well-being so that you can lead a healthy life. If you experience different signs something is wrong with your uterus, you should take preventative measures.

Original Publish Date: April 23, 2021 — Updated September 30, 2024