Small uterus, also known as infantile uterus or hypoplastic uterus, is a congenital malformation in which the uterus does not develop completely, and is generally identified in adolescence due to the absence of the first menstruation.
In this condition, the uterus, which should be 6.5 to 10 cm in size, stops growing and can reach a size of 3 to 5 cm, which can make pregnancy difficult.
Read too: What to do if you have difficulty getting pregnant
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Treatment of the child’s uterus is carried out by a gynecologist, who may recommend the use of hormones to stimulate the growth of the uterus, to allow pregnancy.
Small uterus symptoms
The main symptoms of a small uterus are:
- Delay in the first menstruation (menarche), which in normal situations happens around the age of 12;
- Absence of pubic or armpit hair;
- Poor development of breasts and female genitals;
- Uterus volume less than 30 cubic centimeters in adulthood;
- Irregular menstruation or absence of menstruation;
- Low libido;
- Difficulty getting pregnant or miscarriages.
These symptoms are common in other gynecological health conditions, so it is important to consult a gynecologist so that tests can be carried out and the most appropriate treatment can be started.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of a small uterus or infantile uterus is made by the gynecologist based on the assessment of symptoms, in addition to a gynecological and pelvic examination to check genital development.
Make an appointment with a gynecologist in the nearest region:
To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, the doctor must order tests, such as hormone levels, including thyroid hormones, MRI and pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound in which the size of the uterus is checked. Check out other conditions that can change the size of the uterus.
Causes of small uterus
The main causes of a small uterus are:
The infantile uterus is caused by in the brain, for example.
The main factors that can increase the risk of a small uterus are:
- Congenital malformations, during the formation of the baby during pregnancy;
- Genetic factors;
- Hormonal changes, due to changes in the ovaries, hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
- Ovarian insufficiency;
- Brain injuries or illnesses;
- Malnutrition or restrictive diets in adolescence.
Additionally, infantile uterus can happen due to prolonged and constant use of steroid medications, which can lead to hormonal imbalance.
Can people with a small uterus get pregnant?
Women who have a small uterus or infant uterus may have greater difficulty getting pregnant because, if the uterus is smaller than normal, miscarriage may occur due to the lack of space for the fetus to develop.
In addition, many women with infantile uteruses also have problems with their ovaries and, therefore, may not be able to produce eggs that are mature enough to be fertilized.
Therefore, in the case of a small uterus, it is recommended to seek advice from an obstetrician before trying to get pregnant to assess the treatment options for getting pregnant, which may include artificial insemination.
Read too: Assisted reproduction: what it is, 11 techniques and when to do it
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for a small or infant uterus must be guided by a gynecologist and is normally done with the use of hormonal medicines to help with the growth and development of the uterus, even though it is not always possible to reach a normal size.
With the use of medication, the ovaries begin to release eggs monthly and the uterus begins to increase in size, allowing a normal reproductive cycle and pregnancy, in some cases.
Read too: How to get pregnant faster: 6 proven tips
Bibliography
- CARVALHO, JF; et al. Hypoplastic uterus: the importance of gynaecological ultrasound in its diagnosis–case report and review of the literature. J Obstet Gynaecol. 34. 4; 367-8, 2014
- KUCUK, T.; ATA, B. Infantile or hypoplastic uterus? A proposal for a modification to the ESHRE/ESGE classification of female genital tract congenital abnormalities. Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 14. 1; 49-50, 2022
- JACQUINET, A.; et al. Etiologies of uterine malformations. . . . Am J Med Genet A. 170. 8; 2141–72,
- TEXAS CHILDREN´S HOSPITAL. Uterine Hypoplasia. Available at: <https://www.texaschildrens.org/health/uterine-hypoplasia>. Accessed on 03 Sep 2020
