The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts can grow almost anywhere in the body. There are many different types of cysts. Most cysts are benign (non-cancerous). Whether a cyst needs treatment depends on a number of factors, including the type of cyst, the location, if the cyst is causing pain or discomfort, and whether the cyst is infected.
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can cause internal organs to be stuck together when they are not supposed to be. Most often, adhesions are the result of previous surgery, but some can occur following pelvic infection, and many times they accompany more severe stages of endometriosis (when cells similar to those lining the uterus grow outside the uterus).
Vaginal cysts (fluid-filled sacs) occur on or under the lining of the vagina. Most vaginal cysts are benign (non-cancerous), do not cause symptoms and do not require treatment. Cysts that become infected or grow in size may cause a feeling of vaginal pressure, painful sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding or block the vagina or urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder).
The endometrium (the innermost lining of the uterus) is heterogeneous when it does not have the same appearance throughout. Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a thickening of the endometrium caused by an overgrowth of endometrial cells. This is typically a result of a hormone imbalance in which there is increased exposure to estrogen. Causes include perimenopause or menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, or medications (e.g. hormone replacement therapy or birth control).
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control that a medical provider inserts into the uterus.
Like other parts of your body, the uterus can come in many different shapes or sizes. The most common position of the uterus is anteverted (cervix points towards the front of the body). This is an anatomical description that is usually asymptomatic (does not cause symptoms), with no follow-up needed. If you are having pelvic pressure or pain, then discuss this with your primary care provider or GYN for further evaluation and management.
