Brief Answer:
You should make sure the uterus is the cause of your pain before surgery

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

A woman's uterus can be enlarged for a number of reasons, but the most common of which is due to the presence of fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors of the muscle of the uterus that can grow in the uterine wall, causing a bump to form on the uterus which, depending on it's size and location, can enlarge the uterus all over or cause a bump to form on the surface that can press on neighboring organs. The most common symptoms of fibroids are heavy and long periods, and/or a feeling of bloating and sometimes pressure and pain.

Knowing exactly if you have fibroids in your uterus and if they are pressing on your vagina or rectum will determine if your symptoms are due to the enlarged uterus. An ultrasound examination will be able to measure your uterus and determine if the enlargement is significant. It is true, as your doctor said, that your uterus does tend to gradually shrink after menopause, but depending on how big your uterus is now, and if you still get your period every month, it could be a few years before you notice a difference. The shrinkage of a woman's uterus after menopause is gradual, and most women do not have significant shrinkage of their uterus for at least the first year after their period completely stops.

So, if you haven't done so already, you should have a pelvic ultrasound to accurately measure the size of your uterus and confirm the cause of the uterine enlargement. If you have a fibroid on the back of your uterus (called posterior) that location can cause rectal symptoms as well as pain with deep penetration. Removal of your uterus, or the fibroid from that location, may very well make you feel better in a shorter period of time than waiting for menopause. You should consult with a gynecologist to make the health decision which is best for you. Or if you like, after you get the ultrasound I could review the results with you to help recommend a treatment plan.

Ultimately, the decision to have surgery is yours alone, and if you are suffering significantly now, there is no reason you should wait until menopause because that can still be a few years away. But you need to first determine what the cause of your uterine enlargement is, and if surgery is likely to improve your symptoms.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown

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Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
If you want me to go over any tests or recommendations after you see your local doctor, I would be happy to be of help.

Good luck, and i hope you feel better,

Dr. Brown

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