Globular Uterus

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Globular Uterus

Question:

What does it mean if you have a globular uterus?

Answer:

"Globular" uterus implies the uterus feels somewhat larger, softer, and rounder than average. If the term has been used to describe your uterus, ask the doctor why he or she thinks it is globular and whether any testing is necessary.

The size and shape of the uterus varies with age. In a woman of reproductive age who is not pregnant, the uterus is about 6 by 8 centimeters. (About the size of a tennis ball.) The uterus is primarily made of muscle. It feels firm and smooth when felt by the doctor during an internal pelvic exam.

A globular uterus might be normal or due to changes from a uterine condition such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or pregnancy. Fibroids are noncancerous (benign) muscular tumors. Sometimes they cause an irregular or lumpy texture to the uterus. If a tumor expands the wall uniformly, it may cause the uterus to feel "globular."

Adenomyosis occurs when the glands that normally line the uterine cavity grow into the muscle layer. This can result in the uterus having a globular shape. Pregnancy also uniformly expands the uterus. After the sixth week, a pregnant uterus feels soft and globular.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009