The uterus is part of the female reproductive system.
The most common cause of fluid in the uterus is pregnancy and in this case it is considered normal and essential for proper fetal development. However, in most other circumstances, fluid buildup can be a sign of a larger problem. Narrowing of the cervix, more formally known as “cervical stenosis,” is a possible cause, and cysts and growths along the uterine or cervical walls could also be to blame. Infections are another common explanation. Women often don’t realize they’re building up fluid in the uterus, as it’s usually not something you can feel. Medical specialists often rely on other complaints, such as pain or pressure in the pelvic area, to investigate possible fluid buildup and then look for solutions.
Basic Uterine Fluid
Pelvic x-rays can be used to help determine the causes of fluid in the uterus.
The uterus is a mostly hollow cavity that connects to the vaginal opening through a narrow neck called the cervix. While it’s normal for fluids to pass through this cavity, they don’t normally collect there, and when they do, they usually need to be contained by something that prevents them from flowing through the cervix and out of the body.
“Fluid” in this context is generally considered to be water or some other water-based liquid. Sometimes blood is also included, but normal menstrual blood is not usually considered a fluid buildup. Most healthy women will experience shedding of the uterine walls about once a month and although this can be seen as a technical example of “fluid in the uterus” it is usually not included in the discussion unless it is building up and not flowing in a normal way
The pregnancy
Gynecologists can diagnose and treat fluid in the uterus.
One of the most common causes of fluid buildup is pregnancy. After the egg is fertilized, it is surrounded by a sac. This sac is filled with amniotic fluid which acts as a source of nutritional support and protection for the developing fetus and grows with the development of the baby. When the child is born, the sac often bursts or ruptures and fluid leaks out, a phenomenon commonly known as a woman’s “water bag rupture.”
Cervical narrowing
Uterine cysts can cause pain in the abdominal area.
Another possible cause unrelated to pregnancy is cervical stenosis, a medical condition in which the cervix narrows or contracts. This can make it difficult for fluids to egress or flow from the uterus and, over time, can cause a large buildup and damage to the uterine walls. Cervical stenosis is often a symptom of aging and is more common in women who are going through or have just finished menopause.
Cysts and growths
Menstruation usually stops when there is a buildup of fluid in the uterus.
Fluid is also often trapped if cysts or other masses grow in a way that blocks the uterine opening. Cysts are benign growths that can occur in various areas of the body and, in many cases, are filled with fluid. In the womb, they sometimes stick to the walls in response to certain hormonal triggers, or it could just be genetic. They are usually not a cause for concern until they grow large enough to be problematic or if they occur in places where they can cause blockages.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause fluid to build up in the uterus.
Women with severe hormonal imbalances may also experience a condition known as “polycystic ovary syndrome,” which is characterized by cysts on the ovaries that, in many cases, prevent eggs from falling out, either on time or at all. Sometimes this condition can also lead to fluid formation, especially if the cysts are numerous and tend to rupture. Fibroids and polyps, two other types of tumors, can also contribute.
infections
Tissue that has become infected or inflamed can also be a cause. In these cases, the body will normally try to bring fluids to the site of the infection or injury in an attempt to remove the harmful material. However, depending on the nature of the ailment, these fluids can do more harm than good. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one of the most common examples, and damage related to a complicated pregnancy or delivery is also a common cause.
Treatment and Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose fluid in the uterus without some other symptom such as swelling, pain, or nausea. In the absence of pregnancy, it is not normally considered normal and should be reviewed by a gynecologist or other specialized health care provider. Just because it’s abnormal doesn’t necessarily mean it’s harmful, but it’s usually a good idea to rule out possible complications as soon as possible. Fluid buildup is sometimes just a temporary response to stress or a hormonal surge, and it can go away on its own. However, in most cases, the only way to know for sure is for a person to show up for an exam.
Most care providers will do a pelvic exam, X-ray, or ultrasound to get a better idea of what’s going on in the uterus. Fluid that is determined to be problematic may need to be drained, often surgically, and if the buildup has caused damage, it may also need to be repaired or removed.
