The volume of the uterus is measured through imaging tests requested by the gynecologist, such as transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound, and can be up to 90 cm3 in adult women, however, it may vary throughout the woman’s development, pregnancy or the presence of gynecological changes.
In most cases, the change in uterine volume is considered normal, however in some situations it is possible to notice some symptoms such as difficulty getting pregnant, miscarriages, irregular menstruation or heavy flow, pain and discomfort when urinating or during sexual intercourse and intense cramps , for example.
Therefore, in the presence of symptoms, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted so that the cause of the symptoms can be investigated and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.
Normal uterus volume
The uterine volume considered normal for adult women is between 50 and 90 cm3which may vary according to the woman’s age, hormonal changes and the fact that the woman is pregnant, in which case it is noted that the volume of the uterus increases as the pregnancy develops.
How to measure 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 examination, the doctor can check the length, width and thickness of the uterus, making it possible to calculate its volume.
These exams are normally carried out routinely and are recommended at least once a year, however they can also be requested when the woman presents signs and symptoms of changes. It is important to pay attention to the exam requested by the gynecologist, because in the case of an abdominal ultrasound, for example, it is necessary to fast for 6 to 8 hours, as well as leave the bladder full. Understand how an abdominal ultrasound is performed.
Enlarged uterus
Some of the situations in which an increase in uterine volume can be observed are:
1. Pregnancy
It is common for an increase in the volume of the uterus to be observed as the pregnancy develops, this is because the baby needs more space to develop correctly. Furthermore, if the woman has had two or more pregnancies, it is also normal for an increase in uterine volume to be observed.
2. Woman’s age
As a woman develops, the uterus increases in size at the same time as the other sexual organs develop and mature, which is 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 normally performed by women who have difficulty getting pregnant, because through the use of hormones it is possible to stimulate ovulation and guarantee uterine conditions that favor embryo implantation, which can interfere with uterine volume.
Diminished uterus
A decrease in the volume of the uterus can happen due to some situations, the main ones being:
1. 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 recommends taking hormones, which confirm the period in which the woman is. Check out some tests that confirm menopause.
2. Infant uterus
The infantile uterus, also known as hypoplastic uterus or hypotrophic hypogonadism, is a congenital alteration in which the woman’s uterus does not develop, remaining with the same volume and size as in childhood. Understand what it is and how to identify the infantile uterus.
3. Gynecological changes
The presence of fibromas, 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 initiated.
Bibliography
- 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,
- CARDOZO, Renan F. The volume of the cervix during pregnancy: comparison between two-dimensional and three-dimensional sonographic measurements. Master’s thesis, 2018. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation – National Institute of Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health Fernandes Figueira.
