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Uterine Diseases
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Uterine Diseases

Uterine diseases are conditions affecting the uterus, the organ where a fetus grows during pregnancy, which can be either benign or malignant.

Overview

The uterus, or womb, is the place where a fetus grows during pregnancy. Uterine diseases are conditions that affect the uterus. These diseases can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancerous). They may affect your menstrual periods, your ability to get pregnant, or the health of your reproductive organs.

Types of Uterine Diseases

  • Adenomyosis: Tissue that usually lines the uterus grows on the outside walls.
  • Cervicitis: Swelling or inflamed tissue of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus.
  • Endometrial hyperplasia: An overgrowth of normal cells inside the uterus.
  • Endometriosis: Tissue like the lining of the uterus grows in other places in your body.
  • Uterine prolapse: The uterus drops into the vagina due to weakened pelvic muscles. This can happen after a few vaginal births, menopause, or because of obesity.

Causes & Risk Factors

Various factors can cause uterine diseases. These can include hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, fibroids, polyps, cancer, infection, or pregnancy.

Symptoms

Your symptoms will depend on the type of uterine condition you have. The first sign of a problem with the uterus may be abnormal bleeding. Bleeding could occur between periods, be very heavy, or last much longer than usual. Other symptoms may include bleeding after sex or pelvic pain.

Diagnosis

To find out the cause of your symptoms, your health care provider may:

  • Ask about your symptoms and medical history
  • Do a pelvic exam
  • Order blood tests or imaging tests
  • Do a biopsy

Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the cause. It may include pain medicine, hormone therapy, or surgery. Your provider will work with you to choose the best treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

While uterine prolapse cannot always be prevented, especially after multiple vaginal deliveries or during menopause, you can significantly reduce the risk by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles through regular Kegel exercises. Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor, avoiding heavy lifting without proper support, and managing chronic coughs or constipation are also critical daily habits that help preserve pelvic muscle integrity.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries or bowel, causing severe pain during periods and potentially affecting fertility. Adenomyosis, conversely, happens when this tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus itself. While both cause pain and heavy bleeding, adenomyosis is more strongly associated with a feeling of uterine pressure, a tender or enlarged uterus, and pain that may persist throughout the menstrual cycle rather than just during menstruation.
While some fluctuation in cycle length is normal, you should seek medical evaluation if your periods last longer than seven days, if you are soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours, if you pass blood clots larger than a quarter, or if you experience bleeding between periods or after menopause. These are specific warning signs that may indicate conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or endometrial hyperplasia.
Diagnosis typically begins with a pelvic exam and may include transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or MRI to visualize the uterus. If a biopsy is recommended to rule out cancer or hyperplasia, preparation usually involves avoiding vaginal creams or douching for 24 to 48 hours prior. You may be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure, and while the biopsy itself is quick, you might experience mild cramping or light spotting afterward, which is normal.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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