Factors That May Cause the Uterus to Function Improperly

The uterus is constantly working to provide us with the best and first home for our developing baby. Because the menstrual cycle is a complex symphony of communication and actions, anything that disrupts the function of the communication or physical make-up of our reproductive system may cause the uterus to not function properly.

Sedentary Lifestyle
Leading an inactive lifestyle with little to no exercise creates a situation of stagnation of blood flow to our uterus and other reproductive organs. The main artery that supplies blood to our legs also supplies blood to our uterus, ovaries and vagina. If we sit around a lot, especially if we have a desk job, the blood flow to our uterus may be compromised. This is also not a good situation if we have fertility issues pertaining to our uterus, especially if there is scar tissue or adhesions present. Not moving this area of our body enough can contribute to scar tissue and adhesions forming. Doctors going in for surgery in this area of the body have reported scar tissue and adhesions attaching the uterus or ovaries to other areas of the body such as the bladder or other organs. This can be very painful and dangerous.

Sedentary lifestyle also contributes directly to weak muscles of the uterus.

Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids often form in the layers of the uterus, causing painful periods or dysfunction of the menstural cycle from slight to serious. Some women carry to term with uterine fibroids present, while others struggle with getting the embryo to implant.

Scar Tissue
Scar tissue in the uterus can form for a variety of reasons that lead back to some kind of trauma to the uterus. Some of these reasons include:

* Abortion
* D&C after miscarriage
* Cesarean section
* Intrauterine Device (IUD)
* Abdominal Surgery in the uterus or near by
* Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) caused by Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
* Endometriosis

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when excess endometrium lining of the uterus that normally grows in preparation for the implanting of the egg begins, does not completely shed during menstruation. It then begins to attach to other places of the body besides the uterus. When menses comes, not only does the lining in the uterus bleed, the endometriosis that has grown in other places of the body also bleeds.

Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance contributes to or may play a key role in a variety of fertility issues that may affect the uterus. PCOS, Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis are just some of the more serious ways hormonal imbalance may contribute to uterine dysfunction. If our hormones are not balanced we may have an irregular menstrual cycle or irregularities in the menstrual cycle such as Absent Period, short cycles, long heavy cycles, ect. When our menstrual cycle is irregular, there is a chance that the uterus is not able to fully empty its contents each month. A uterus that is not stimulated to shed or sheds inadequately may become atrophied, which means the muscles lose their tone and strength. If the mucosa lining stratum funcitonale is not stimulated to excrete mucous or build up the endometrium then the uterus is not lubricated and may become “dry” and weak or not the best environment to house an embryo. The endometrium is necessary to nourish the developing embryo. The endometrium needs proper hormonal balance to be signaled to grow to a proper size to house an nourish the embryo, until the placenta is developed enough to take over.

As I said before, the menstrual cycle is a complex symphony of communication and actions; anything that disrupts the function of the communication or physical make-up of our reproductive system may cause the uterus to not function properly. This includes hormonal balance.

Tipped Uterus
The normal positioning of the uterus should be straight up and down (vertical). In some cases a woman’s uterus may become tipped backward or forward.

This may be caused by stretching of the ligaments after childbirth, scarring and adhesions from endometriosis or uterine fibroids and improper development of the position of the uterus. A misplaced uterus may cause pain, irregular menstruation, urinary tract infections, difficulties using tampons as well as pain during intercourse.