Is an Enlarged Uterus Dangerous? - Understanding Your Uterus Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Women's Health Understanding Your Uterus By Dr. Orli EtinginReviewed: November 26, 2007Fact-CheckedQ1. I recently had a CT scan and was told that my uterus was enlarged. What size is normal? Is there cause for concern? — Lisa, Florida A normal uterus is about the size of a clenched fist or a small apple. A uterus can become enlarged for many reasons, the most common being fibroids. These are benign, muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and can cause pain and bleeding. An enlarged uterus is usually not a cause for concern, provided that its cause has been determined by sonogram or CT scan. If your doctor concludes that the enlargement is related to fibroids, they can be monitored over time and you need not worry. If, however, no obvious cause for the enlargement is seen on the CT scan, then further testing should be done to rule out uterine cancer. Q2. What is an inverted uterus and what causes it? Where can I get information about this problem and what is the prognosis in the long run? An inverted uterus is a naturally-occurring variation on how the uterus is positioned in the abdominal cavity. Instead of the uterus lying on top of the bladder, it lies to either side of it. The cervix (or the opening of the uterus) is still in the same place — at the top part, or end, of the vaginal canal — but the body (or fundus) of the uterus lies in an unusual direction. Usually the prognosis for this condition is excellent, as it does not cause any specific diseases or problems. Occasionally, it can make childbirth more difficult, though. Your doctor will be your best source of information, since she or he can tell you about the size and configuration of your own uterus and whether it will affect your health in any way. Next time you go in for your pap smear (I hope you are getting your Paps regularly), don't be shy about asking your OB/GYN these questions. Q3. I have recurring uterine polyps and in the last five years I've had three procedures to remove them. I have been using a holistic approach that includes a natural progesterone cream and other supplements to keep them at bay, but as soon as I lower the dosage, the polyps return. It seems that [progesterone] hormone therapy/birth control pills or a partial hysterectomy are my only options. I don't like the idea of either one, but the heavy bleeding, painful cramps, and other symptoms are getting to be too much. Are there any options other than an annual polyp removal or the treatments mentioned above? Recurrent uterine polyps are particularly common for women in their forties, as hormone levels begin to diminish before menopause. While uterine polyps are rarely if ever malignant, they do cause bleeding and cramping and therefore need to be removed. Other than yearly polyp removal or hormone therapy to completely eliminate periods that lead to polyp growth, another alternative to consider may be uterine ablation. This is a surgical procedure that removes the entire lining of the uterus using a laser technique. It is more extensive that a typical D&C [dilation and curettage, a surgical procedure that removes the contents of the uterus], and therefore may prevent the return of uterine polyps for a longer period of time. Since uterine ablation is a newer procedure, be sure you consult a physician who is experienced in this technique before you decide to pursue it as a possible treatment option. Q4. After years of trying to have a baby, my doctor told me that I have no lining in my uterus. It's the reason I can't conceive. Is there a way to fix this problem? I have also had two surgeries to remove cysts from my tubes and ovaries. Can these things be related? — Adrianna, North Carolina Loss of the uterine lining is usually related to low hormone levels — the lining thickens with the elevation of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle. The surgeries you underwent to have cysts removed from your tubes and ovaries should not have affected these hormone levels, as long as you are still ovulating regularly. That said, it's important to get checked to be sure that your hormone levels are rising appropriately during your cycle. If this is occurring properly, it should help the uterine lining thicken in preparation for a pregnancy to be established. If the physician who made the diagnosis about your lining hasn't suggested a treatment plan, consider seeing a fertility expert in your area. He or she should be knowledgeable about hormonal treatments for the problem. If hormonal therapy does not work and you still want your own biological child, there are other options you can explore, such as surrogate motherhood. Q5. My gynecologist told me that I have a tilted uterus. Is this normal? — Carla, Mississippi A tilted uterus is a standard, and quite normal, variant that shouldn't be the cause of any concern. A tilted uterus causes no symptoms, and it is not the result of aging per se. When we refer to a uterus as being tilted, we are talking about the position the uterus occupies in the pelvic cavity. It can lie mostly toward the front of your body ("anterior," the more common position), or toward the back of your body ("posterior," the tilted position). While repeated pregnancies can change the position of a uterus, they usually result in uterine prolapse (in which the uterus drops down into the vaginal canal) rather than a tilted uterus. The tilting of the uterus does not cause pain on intercourse or during menstruation. 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