How to eliminate bloating in women? Enlarged uterus. Causes, symptoms, treatment Feeling of soft uterus and swelling

As a rule, a woman does not feel anything in the first days of pregnancy. None visible signs no pregnancy. The fertilized egg moves towards the uterus through the fallopian tube and, at the same time, divides.

At the same time, during pregnancy in the early stages, many signs that are not specific to pregnancy may be felt, which, however, appearing in combination, can, with a certain degree of certainty, indicate the beginning of fetal development.

These signs include:

morning sickness, vomiting, drooling, a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region, a strange “metallic” taste in the mouth, heartburn, constipation, intestinal disorders, bloating due to gas, a noticeable increase in abdominal circumference (the symptom itself may be associated with problems gastrointestinal tract);
increased appetite, increased sensitivity to smells or aversion to them, unusual eating habits (if nothing else indicates pregnancy, may be associated with metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal problems);
drowsiness, apathy, increased fatigue, feeling tired even in the morning, and not just in the evening or during the day, lethargy, lack of composure, mood swings, isolation, tearfulness, sometimes even aggressiveness or unusual excitability, restless sleep(without other symptoms of pregnancy may be a sign of the syndrome chronic fatigue, functional disorders nervous system, psyche, lack of vitamins, consequences serious illnesses);
weakness, fainting, dizziness, which usually occurs when being in a stuffy room, standing for a long time, taking hot baths in the absence of other signs of pregnancy, can be caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels of the brain, vegetative-vascular dystonia, low pressure);
migraines, headaches;
worsening of hearing;
frequent urination(How separate manifestation frequent urge going to the toilet may be a sign of a cold, inflammatory diseases kidneys, urinary system)
feeling of “fullness”, lower abdomen, heaviness in the pelvic area, stitching, pulling, unusual sensations in this area (without other signs of pregnancy it may be associated with gynecological problems);
tension, swelling, soreness, increase in the size of the mammary glands, sensitive nipples, darkening of the skin of the area around the nipple, an increase in the diameter of this area, increased sensitivity of the breast, its engorgement and the appearance of colostrum (white discharge) from the nipple when pressed (in the absence of other signs of pregnancy, it can be an indicator of problems, including oncology, breast);
elevated for about 2 weeks to 37-37.5 ° C (even in the absence of menstruation, it can be associated with an inflammatory process in the body, including mononucleosis). In the case of pregnancy, the temperature is maintained until the placenta begins to function, measured in the rectum for five to seven minutes, and the thermometer is inserted into the depth of 2 cm. When measuring this temperature, a sign in the second phase is also a sharp decline temperature for one day (“implantation retraction”) occurring due to hormonal changes: a decrease in the production of the hormone progesterone during this period, which caused an increase basal temperature, as well as the release of the hormone tarragon, which is responsible for reducing temperature;
repeated light “shots”, not severe pain in the lower back, discomfort in the sacral area (in the absence of other pregnancy symptoms, it may be associated with spinal problems, radiculitis);
a feeling of heat, cold, chills, a feeling of general malaise, as if colds or light form flu;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
darkening of the skin, appearance age spots, including the appearance of pregnancy scars (stripes) on the face, darkening of the line on the abdomen from the navel to the groin and pubis, blue or pink lines on the abdomen and chest. They usually appear at 1-3 months of pregnancy; in its absence, it may indicate a violation hormonal balance, be consequences of a previous pregnancy;
slight swelling of the hands, decreased blood pressure
periodic tingling in the uterus, spasms of the uterus, in the lower abdomen, as during or before menstruation, but there is no menstruation;
appearance, increase vaginal discharge, implantation bleeding due to the attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall, appearing 6 to 12 days after conception in the form of slight bleeding, or just a few brown drops, or just a “yellowish trace” on toilet paper, which resembles the harbingers of menstruation, these phenomena can appear repeatedly;
internal sensations, intuition;
dreaming fish;
unusual activity in setting up your “nest” at home (wiping dust, cleaning, washing, putting things in order, etc.).

All these signs, each in itself, can be either a direct consequence of pregnancy, changes in the body, hormonal changes, or evidence of a number of diseases, and quite often, self-hypnosis.

The uterus is one of the most important organs female reproductive system. The uterus becomes a refuge for the unborn baby throughout pregnancy.

The condition of this organ affects the possibility of conceiving and bearing a fetus, so many women panic when they learn about any abnormalities at an appointment with a gynecologist. An increase in the size of the uterus is a controversial symptom, as it can indicate the development of a pathological process, indicate an approaching period or pregnancy. It is not recommended to make a diagnosis on your own; in any case, it is better to consult a gynecologist.

Causes of uterine enlargement

The uterus increases in size under the influence the following factors And pathological conditions:

Onset of pregnancy. At 2-3 weeks from the moment of conception, the uterus begins to increase in size under the influence of a special hormone progesterone, which prepares the woman’s body for bearing a fetus.
Approaching menstruation. The maximum thickening of the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium, in which the fertilized egg is implanted, occurs in last days menstrual cycle. It is during this period that the uterus increases in size.
Benign tumors in the uterus: fibroids or polyps. The growth of the tumor contributes to the enlargement of the uterine body.
Menopause. When female body completes the work of the body's reproductive system, the uterus increases slightly in size. It is worth noting that after menopause, it is advisable to visit a gynecologist every 6 months, since after 50 years the risk of developing tumors of various nature increases sharply.
Endometriosis disease. The main symptom of this pathology is the growth and thickening of the inner layer of the uterus endometrium. As a result, the uterus thickens and increases in size.
Ectopic pregnancy. When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, corpus luteum continues to produce the “pregnant” hormone progesterone, which triggers the processes of preparing the body for pregnancy and the uterus increases in size.
Cancer of the uterus. Damage to uterine tissue by a malignant process provokes uncontrolled growth of tissue and atypical cells, as a result of which the uterus increases in size depending on the growth of the tumor.
Hormonal disbalance . Hormonal imbalance provokes disruption of the ovaries and promotes enlargement of the uterus on any day of the menstrual cycle.
Myometritis. Inflammation of the inner layers of the uterus and muscle tissue.
Endometritis. Inflammation of the endometrium.

Treatment of pathology

Treatment is prescribed only when confirmed development of the pathological process in the uterus or due to hormonal imbalance. Inflammation of the uterine body is treated with antibiotics inpatient conditions, drug therapy accompanied by strengthening the immune system with infusions of herbs and vitamins.

After removal acute inflammation For prevention purposes, a woman is recommended to undergo a course of magnet therapy or current treatment. Such procedures normalize blood circulation in the uterus, eliminate the effects of inflammation and stabilize the processes of monthly endometrial renewal. Benign formations in the uterus, such as fibroids and polyps, can only be removed surgically.

In some cases, when the tumor is small and does not increase in size, removal is not required, but there remains a need for constant monitoring of the growth of the tumor.

Modern medicine makes it possible to remove benign formations by laparoscopic surgery. This method allows you to avoid ugly stitches on the abdomen and injury to the muscle tissue of the uterus.

Malignant neoplasms in the body of the uterus, unfortunately, are absolute indication to removal of the entire organ. In some cases, removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Hormonal imbalance is treated with hormonal medications that normalize hormone production and help restore the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms

Processes that provoke an increase in the size of the uterus cause the following symptoms:

Bloating of the lower abdomen associated with an enlarged organ.
Menstrual irregularities. Long delays menstruation, lack of ovulation, heavy or scanty bleeding.
Premenstrual syndrome. Irritability, pain in the uterus, swelling of the mammary glands, weight gain.
Constant pain in the uterus caused by tumor growth.
Bleeding.
Brown spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal imbalance causes constant headaches, sudden weight changes, acne and pimples, seborrhea, increased oily or dry skin, and irregular menstrual flow.
Pregnancy is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight gain, changes in hormonal levels, frequent urge to urinate.
Ectopic pregnancy is expressed sharply unilateral pain from a damaged fallopian tube, nausea, increased body temperature, heavy uterine bleeding.

Enlarged uterus before menstruation

Enlargement of the uterus before the onset of menstruation is normal physiological phenomenon. Every month, the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium, is renewed and exits through the cervix and vagina in the form bloody discharge with small clots. With each day of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium grows (increases in thickness, becomes looser), which leads to an increase in the size of the uterus.

Growth of the endometrium is necessary during conception, since a layer of endometrium about 9 millimeters thick is required to secure the fertilized egg in the wall of the uterus. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium is separated from the walls of the uterus, excreted from the body and the uterus is reduced to normal sizes. With the beginning of a new menstrual cycle (after the end menstrual flow) the endometrium grows back.

During pregnancy

An increase in the size of the uterus during pregnancy is normal physiological phenomenon. From the moment of conception, the body begins to produce a special “pregnant” hormone, progesterone, under the influence of which the entire body begins to prepare for bearing a baby. Hormones influence the uterus and it begins to increase in size.

Already at the first examination by a gynecologist after a delay in menstruation, the doctor, using two-handed palpation of the uterus through the vagina, can with some probability determine whether a woman is pregnant or not. With each week of pregnancy, the uterus increases more and more, depending on the process of increasing the size of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid.

A greatly enlarged uterus may indicate a multiple pregnancy even before an ultrasound examination.

Every woman has experienced this at least once. unpleasant feeling, like bloating and pain in the lower abdomen. Bloating in the lower abdomen in women is not independent disease. This process can be called common symptom, signaling any pathologies occurring in the body.

What causes bloating in women?

There are many reasons:

Hormonal changes that occur in the body throughout monthly cycle.
Bloating of the lower abdomen in women during pregnancy, accompanied by the process of gas formation.

Below we discuss in detail questions about what causes bloating and ways to eliminate bloating.

Bloating during ovulation

Nowadays, almost any woman can easily determine by certain signs the exact day of her ovulation, one of which is bloating in the lower abdomen. Many people feel a little bloated during ovulation. abdominal cavity(its lower part). Often, bloating during ovulation is associated with increased gas formation. This normal reaction the body for the release of the egg and its movement to the uterus.

Bloating after ovulation

Also, many women continue to experience slight bloating after ovulation, accompanied by mild pulling and aching pain. This is also a normal condition of the body, and it is caused by the rupture of the follicle and the release of a mature cell from the ovary into the abdominal cavity.

Bloating during pregnancy

Many women with the onset of pregnancy complain about the onset of digestive problems: the formation of gases in the intestinal tract, constant bloating abdomen with pain, a feeling of heaviness and fullness. What can cause bloating and gas during pregnancy?

Frequent bloating during pregnancy early stages associated with an increase in progesterone in the blood, which relaxes both the uterus and intestines. Fermentation intensifies, the process of gas removal is disrupted, belching and rumbling appear in the abdominal cavity. Flatulence is also affected by the foods you eat.

Bloating during pregnancy in the second trimester occurs due to increased, constant pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines and other organs. digestive system that violates them normal work on food promotion. Fermentation and gas formation occurs.

Ways to eliminate bloating during pregnancy:

Follow a diet for flatulence - exclude or severely limit the consumption of foods that cause increased gas formation;
You need to sleep at least nine to ten hours; lie down twice a day for 30 minutes with your legs elevated;
For the intestines to function well, a small physical activity: take a walk more often fresh air, do exercises for pregnant women;
You need to wear loose and comfortable clothes and shoes;
After eating, massage the abdomen using light strokes in a clockwise direction;
You can go to water aerobics or swimming for pregnant women;
If necessary, take medications prescribed by your doctor for flatulence;
On the recommendation of a doctor, take infusions and decoctions of herbs: with chamomile, lemon balm, coriander seeds, dill, ginger.

Bloating and increased gas production during menstruation are influenced by monthly hormonal shifts. Before menstruation, progesterone increases, which relaxes the intestines. Which leads to constipation and flatulence, leading to abdominal bloating during menstruation.

The use of B vitamins, magnesium and potassium will help reduce the influence of hormonal levels on the intestines at this time. Also for bloating, flatulence and pain the lower abdominal cavity is affected by increased appetite after ovulation, and the consumption of foods that promote the formation of gases: cabbage, beans, peas and other raw vegetables, as well as soda, sugar, flour products. With excess nutrition, the body compensates for the lack of serotonin. To prevent overeating and digestive problems, as well as to increase the level of this hormone in the blood, you need to eat dates, figs, dairy products, and plums.

How to reduce bloating during menstruation?

In the last days of the monthly cycle, avoid eating foods that cause increased gas formation.
Chew thoroughly while eating.
Walk more often, as walking in the fresh air facilitates the process of menstruation and improves your mood.

Bloating after menstruation

Sometimes gas formation is so strong that the intestines cannot return to normal even after the end of menstruation. And the problem does not go away. These days, the woman feels pain similar to those that foreshadow the approaching critical days.

How to eliminate bloating after menstruation?

In such a situation, you should also follow the recommendations described above, and, if necessary, use medications for the release of gases containing a mixture of silicon dioxide and dimethylsiloxane, as well as or drink drugs traditional medicine: dill water, chamomile decoction.

The implantation of a viable embryo into the uterus is the final IVF procedure. Many women experience abdominal bloating after this. In connection with what possible reasons Can bloating occur after embryo transfer? The feeling of fullness in the abdomen occurs due to hormonal changes. Also, bloating is a sign of hyperstimulation that occurs due to taking large quantity hormonal drugs. If swelling appears immediately after the transplant and does not disappear, you should immediately contact the clinic.

After the IVF procedure, especially if bloating has occurred in the lower abdomen, you should remain calm:

Do not put stress on the body for fourteen days;
Sleep at least nine hours;
Avoid stressful situations;
During periods of increased illness, avoid contact with a large number of people;
Avoid sexual intercourse until pregnancy is one hundred percent confirmed.

If you follow all the above recommendations, you can easily prevent and eliminate bloating in women. With others unpleasant symptoms You should contact a qualified physician immediately. Only professional approach to the problem that has arisen can guarantee good health.

Normally, a woman's uterus is the size of a fist, but during pregnancy it can expand to the size of a fist. soccer ball or more. However, expecting a child is not the only reason that the uterus enlarges.

An enlarged uterus may result medical conditions, which not only cause a change in the size of the organ, but also cause bleeding and painful sensations. Diseases that lead to uterine enlargement sometimes require medical intervention.

A woman may not be aware that she has an enlarged uterus. In most cases, patients learn about this problem during.

Sometimes women notice that their stomach has become too bloated and their clothes are too tight. However, as a rule, the diagnosis of an enlarged uterus comes as a surprise to them.

There are many reasons that cause uterine enlargement. An overly large uterus is more common in women during their childbearing years, but this condition can also develop.

Myomas

One of the most common causes of an enlarged uterus. Fortunately, fibroids are not cancerous.

Myomas - benign tumors, which range in size from very small to very large. They appear along the walls of the uterus.

According to a study by American scientists, from 20 to 80% of cases of uterine fibroids occur in patients under 50 years of age. This condition most often occurs in women in their forties and fifties.

Fibroids can be asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms, but sometimes they cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Fibroids can also affect the rectum, which creates additional pressure in the intestines in women. If fibroids enlarge, they can cause the uterus to become larger.

Adenomyosis

A noncancerous condition that mimics the symptoms of fibroids. It is characterized by the fact that the lining layer inner surface the wall of the uterus (endometrium) enters directly into the muscular structure of the wall. During muscle tissue begin to bleed, causing pain and swelling.

Adenomyoma is an enlarged part of the uterine wall. During a gynecological examination, an adenomyoma may look like a regular fibroid. Sometimes these two formations can be confused even with ultrasound examination(ultrasound).

In some cases, adenomyosis does not cause any symptoms. In others, it leads to heavy bleeding and cramping during menstruation.

A study involving 985 women, the results of which were published in a reputable medical journal Human Reproduction showed that adenomyosis was present in 20% of volunteers.

However, each study participant visited a gynecology clinic while experiencing symptoms. This is why scientists suggest that the prevalence of adenomyosis among women exceeds 20%.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Enlargement of the uterus can cause various states, including polycystic ovary syndrome

It can also lead to an enlarged uterus. The disease is also characterized by menstrual irregularities. Polycystic ovary syndrome affects approximately one in ten women of childbearing age.

The body usually sheds the endometrial lining (endometrium) from the body during menstruation, but for some women this layer is not completely shed.

The accumulation of endometrial tissue can cause inflammation and enlargement of the uterus.

Endometrial cancer

According to the US National Cancer Institute, it is most often diagnosed in women aged 55 to 64 years. In 2017, the institution recorded 61,380 new cases of endometrial cancer in American women.

One of the symptoms of endometrial cancer is an enlarged uterus. The size of the uterus in this disease may also indicate the stage of development of malignant tumors.

Menopause

That is, the period preceding menopause can also cause an enlarged uterus due to fluctuations in hormonal levels.

Fluctuating hormone levels at this stage of a woman's life can cause an enlarged uterus. In most cases, the uterus returns to its previous size after a woman reaches menopause.

Ovarian cysts

Fluid-filled sacs that appear on the surface or inside the ovaries. In the vast majority of cases, ovarian cysts do not pose a health risk.

But if it gets too large, it can cause an enlarged uterus and other, more dangerous complications.

Symptoms of an enlarged uterus

An enlarged uterus can cause various symptoms, such as weakness, cramping, constipation, pain during sex, and abnormal menstrual bleeding

In addition to the main feature, that is large sizes, an enlarged uterus can cause other symptoms. These include the following:

deviations in menstrual cycles, for example, too heavy bleeding And ;
anemia due to excessive menstrual bleeding;
general fatigue and pallor;
enlargement of the abdomen in the waist area associated with an enlarged uterus;
feeling of pressure on the uterus and nearby organs;
constipation;
leg swelling;
leg spasms;
discomfort and back pain;
increased frequency and urgency of urination;
watery discharge;
pain during sexual activity ().

The symptoms of an enlarged uterus largely depend on what underlying condition is causing the problem.

How is an enlarged uterus diagnosed?

Many women do not know that they have an enlarged uterus. This condition is usually discovered by doctors during a gynecological examination or ultrasound examination.

In the vast majority of cases, an enlarged uterus does not pose a threat to health and does not even require any treatment if the woman is not bothered by pain or other uncomfortable symptoms.

What complications can arise with an enlarged uterus?

Conditions underlying an enlarged uterus can lead to complications if they worsen or are left untreated.

The list of complications may include the following:

(complete removal uterus or parts thereof);
loss of fertility (infertility);
miscarriages or other pregnancy-related complications;
infections associated with inflammation of the uterus.

How to treat an enlarged uterus?

In most cases, an enlarged uterus does not require treatment, although some women may need medicines to relieve pain. And intrauterine devices containing may reduce symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding.

In particularly severe cases, a woman may require a hysterectomy.

conclusions

An enlarged uterus usually does not indicate serious problems with health. Doctors can use computed tomography(CT) or ultrasound to determine the exact causes of the enlargement.

As a rule, an enlarged uterus does not require mandatory therapy, and doctors can simply monitor the patient’s condition. They may also run tests to rule out cancer uterus

Important! It is important for a woman to undergo periodic examinations with a gynecologist, who is able to identify any problems on the early stage and prevent potential complications.