normal size of uterus

What is the Normal Size of the Uterus?

The normal size of the uterus varies according to the age of the woman. This Buzzle write-up tells you what should be the average size of the uterus and what any changes in it may indicate.

One of the most important organs of the female reproductive system is the uterus. This is the main part of the female reproductive system that is the site of implantation and growth of the fertilized ovum. This is the place where the fetus eventually develops into a baby. However, it is during the time of pregnancy that the size of the uterus increases manifold when compared to its normal size. The evaluation to check for whether a woman has a normal uterus and ovaries is vital to know whether or not the woman has or will have any significant gynecological problems. Also, this acts as a great indicator of women's health. It is said that knowledge regarding the size of the uterus helps to possibly predict the occurrence and development rate of conditions like myomas.
Average Size of the Uterus
There are three dimensions of the uterus that are usually assessed to help determine the size of the uterus. These include the length of the uterus, which is measured from the fundus (the highest point of the center of the uterus) till the external opening. The length can also be calculated from the anteroposterior section, with the maximum length of the midsagittal section in this direction. The width of the uterus is measured by estimating the maximum reading obtained in the cross-section of the fundus. The size of the uterus changes depending on the age and hormonal condition of the woman. Before a girl reaches puberty, the normal uterus size lengthwise is around 3.5 cm. The anteroposterior diameter at this time is said to be around 1 cm. When the girl reaches puberty, then due to the surge in hormonal secretions, the uterus gains its proper pear-shaped appearance, and its dimensions increase as well. The normal size of the uterus in cm is said to be 7.6 cm x 4.5 cm x 3 cm, with the length being 7.6 cm and width being 4.5 cm. Its thickness (anteroposterior diameter) is usually around 3 cm. The volume of the uterus varies and fluctuates between 75cc and 200cc. The uterus weighs about 100 to 200 grams and on an average, can be said to be the size of the fist of the woman.
Abnormal Size of the Uterus
The size of the uterus may be adversely affected and it may become significantly smaller if there is thickening of the uterus lining. In this case, by smaller, it means that the volume of the uterus decreases, as the size of the lumen decreases due to growths in the muscle wall. The size of the uterus also decreases when there is prolapsed uterus or a dropped uterus. On the other hand, there may be a condition where the size of the uterus is more than usual due to the presence of two uterus, which is also known as double uterus. The uterus is capable of enlarging to many times its natural size during pregnancy. An enlarged uterus may, however, be a sign of fibroids or cysts, especially when seen in menopausal women, which is the time when the uterus is supposed to actually shrink in size a little due to the cessation of hormonal secretions and the onset of menopause. There are many enlarged uterus symptoms that can help in identifying this condition at the earliest so that it can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
So, watch out for any kind of symptoms of enlarged uterus and get it treated on time to avoid further complications.

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