Description

The uterus, also known as the womb, is a hollow muscular organ that is part of the genitourinary system.  It is characterized by its  important role in the female reproductive system.

Structurally it is characterized by its pear shape and its unique muscular structure that undergoes profound changes during different reproductive events. Though it is a pelvic structure it enlarges many times over to become an intraabdominal organ during pregnancy and returns to its prepregnancy state after child birth. Superiorly the gracile fallopian tubes open on each side into uterine cavity, and inferiorly it communicates with the vagina through the cervix. The urinary bladder lies anterior to it and rectum to posterior.

Functionally it provides a nutritional and protective environment for a fertilized embryo  to embed, and accommodates a growing embryo until child birth.

Common diseases include alterations in the structure which can be congenital or acquired,  benign or malignant tumors. Systemic disease especially infections  can also affect uterus and uterine cavity.

Clinically the more common ailments manifest as infertility, menorrhagia, acute or chronic abdominal pain, urinary complaints, and recurrent abortions, .

Diagnosis is usually by detailed history and physical exams with imaging modalities like ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy and diagnostic laparoscopy being most widely used.

Treatment options are guided by disease process and may include minimally invasive or open surgery.