In gynecology, uterine malformations are a frequent phenomenon, especially when it comes to uterine infantilism. Another name for the pathology is hypoplasia. It occurs in 4-6% of women. What is this diagnosis?
Infantile (childish, underdeveloped) uterus is when the organ is properly formed, but lags behind in development. The process is acquired, diagnosed at puberty, begins after birth. A small uterus can occur as a symptom of other types of genital infantilism (complete or partial), with hypogonadism (insufficient function of the gonads).
The uterus after the birth of a girl is different from an adult only in size, but not in structure. All the follicles are already laid in it, and it is located in the abdominal cavity. Some of the follicles can be considered mature. After birth, the length of the uterus in a girl is 4 cm. At 4 years old, she descends into the small pelvis.
After 7-8 years, the active phase of uterine growth begins. From the age of 8, the firstshifts in the transformation of a girl into a girl. By the beginning of puberty (by the age of 11-13), the uterus should already have the same dimensions as an adult nulliparous girl. Otherwise (if the uterus does not reach the specified size), the girl is diagnosed with "underdevelopment". The cause is a violation in the hormonal system.
An infantile uterus makes it difficult to conceive and bear a fetus. Treatment is complex and not always successful - it depends on the degree of underdevelopment.
Causes of infantilism
Children's uterus often occurs in women with a slender appearance and physique: short stature, narrow shoulders, underdeveloped breasts. Many teenagers, being normal in development, begin to lose weight out of the blue in pursuit of the cherished 90 × 60 × 90. This not only threatens with anorexia, but also with uterine hypoplasia.
In addition to extreme diets, infections - measles, rubella, autoimmune diseases - rheumatism can also contribute. The causes of a small uterus are often:
- poor heredity (predisposition is transmitted through the female line);
- endocrinopathy (pathology of all peripheral endocrine glands);
- intrauterine disorders in the first trimester of fetal development, when the genitourinary system is laid;
- effect of radiation and toxic substances (including drugs and smoking);
- chronic somatic diseases;
- meager and monotonous diet with low content of proteins and vitamins;
- hard physical work;
- mental and nervous overload at school and family;
- stress.
Very important is the violation of the chain "hypothalamus - pituitary gland - ovaries - uterus".
Sizes OK
The size of an adult uterus in nulliparous women is 4.2-4.8 cm long and 4.2-5.0 cm wide. The length of the cavity is 7 cm. The normal length of the cervix is no more than 2.5 cm.
In a nulliparous woman with a history of pregnancy - 4.8-5.4 cm in length, 4.5-5.5 cm in width, in a woman giving birth - 5.5-6.1 cm in length, 4, 8-6 cm - wide. Cavity length - 8 cm.
Infancy implies not only the small size of the uterus, but also the ratio of the cavity and the cervix.
Degrees of infantilism
The following degrees of underdevelopment are distinguished:
- Rudimentary, or fetal, embryonic uterus.
- Infantile uterus.
- Hypoplastic uterus.
Fetal uterus of the third degree
Total length - 1-3 cm. The degree is more often due to intrauterine development disorders. There are no monthly. Due to the persistence of the disorder, it cannot be treated.
2nd degree
The size of a baby or infantile uterus is about 3-5 cm in length, the cervix is the same. In an adult woman, it corresponds to the age of 9-10 years. The ovaries are underdeveloped, are above the normal level, the fallopian tubes are tortuous and narrow.
Although the cycle may be, but with violations. There are other manifestations of genital infantilism. Proper treatment can make childbearing affordable.
1st degree
Whenin the infantile uterus of the 1st degree, underdevelopment is not pronounced, the length is 6-7 cm with a neck, the reproductive function is preserved. The prognosis is the most favorable, and with the onset of sexual activity, the size of the organ levels off.
Pathogenesis
The work of the ovaries is controlled by the "hypothalamus-pituitary" system. The hypothalamus produces pituitary hormones. He gives orders to the pituitary gland, being a "conductor". Its hormones stimulate the pituitary gland to produce gonadotropins that act on the sex glands (ovaries).
The pituitary gland is figuratively the immediate "chief" of the gonads responsible for the production of sex steroids. This connection is mutual. This means that with a lack of ovarian hormones, a signal is sent to the pituitary gland, and from there to the hypothalamus, about a decrease in the level of sex hormones. If signal transmission is disrupted in any area, the result is the development of an infantile uterus.
Clinical manifestations
Underdevelopment of the uterus is not a separate single symptom. It will certainly be combined with general infantilism.
Sexual infantilism is:
- small, underdeveloped labia;
- narrow vagina;
- clitoris protrudes beyond the vulva.
The ovaries are small and also underdeveloped, above their normal position. The fallopian tubes cannot fulfill their function due to their underdevelopment: they are minimally narrow, long and winding.
An underdeveloped organ (a small uterus in a woman) does not allow her to conceive and bear a child. If conception occurs, and more often it is impossible,the pregnancy will be ectopic.
The main symptom suggesting underdevelopment of the uterus is scanty and short, irregular or absent periods.
Menstruation is always painful. Also, premenstrual syndrome in such girls manifests itself in all its glory - classically. According to statistics, in 90% of cases of uterine infantilism there is PCOS - polycystic ovaries.
Secondary signs include lack of libido and orgasm. The physical development of such girls is also clearly delayed. The pubis and armpits are not covered with hair. The physique is slender.
The gynecologist during examination reveals that there is a small size of the uterus and appendages that do not correspond to age. There is a narrow vagina, a long cervix and at the same time a flattened body. The pelvic bones are narrow, the chest is underdeveloped and narrow, growth is short for age.
With growing up, libido and orgasm never appear. With an infantile uterus, patients are prone to developing endometritis, cervicitis, inflammation and infections of neighboring organs and systems.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of infantilism helps ultrasound of the pelvic organs. It is also necessary to have an examination in the gynecologist's chair, a blood test for hormonal status: the level of female and male sex hormones - estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, thyroid hormones.
Infantile uterus and conception
Diagnosis allows you to immediately assume severethe course of pregnancy, childbirth and the process of conception itself. This is the first and main premise. That is why the presence of such a diagnosis should always continue with treatment. By the way, it is complex and lengthy.
Infantile womb and pregnancy is an uncommon combination. The chance of conceiving and bearing a fetus is significantly reduced. Normally, the angle between the uterus and the cervix is obtuse, open anteriorly and does not exceed 120 degrees; with the infantility of the uterus, it increases, which makes it difficult to conceive, complicates childbirth. The contractility of the uterus is sharply reduced. The ovaries are located much higher than the norm. The pipes are narrow, winding and thin.
What it gives in total: circulatory disorders in the genitals. In the presence of an infantile uterus, conception is extremely difficult in general. In the event of pregnancy, it will be characterized by severe toxicosis and a constant threat of interruption.
When pregnancy occurs, the fetus will not receive proper nutrition. The uterus is constantly in good shape, which increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. If gestation ends in labor, they will be weak, the cervix will dilate very poorly and the contraction period will be much longer.
Treatment
Treatment of the infantile uterus is carried out under constant medical supervision and should be comprehensive. Therapy includes physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy, but the fundamental will, of course, be HRT - hormone replacement therapy.
With timely treatment and diagnosis, a small degree of hypoplasia, all the functions laid downnature, a woman will successfully perform. But the duration of treatment will require patience.
Girls are prescribed a balanced diet in terms of vitamins and proteins, preventive intake of vitamins. In case of violations of the emotional plan, a psychologist should work with the patient.
Hormonotherapy is mandatory because in the body of such representatives of the weaker sex there are always few hormones, which is why the uterus does not develop.
HRT is given in small doses. Sometimes hormone treatment is carried out throughout the reproductive years.
Hormone therapy is stimulating and will promote pregnancy. Physiotherapy involves magnetic therapy, paraffin therapy, mud therapy, inductothermy, laser therapy. Gynecological massage and exercise therapy are prescribed.
Physiotherapy improves blood circulation in the small pelvis and thus contributes to the normalization of physiological dimensions.
From folk remedies, doctors do not mind taking the infusion and decoction of the hog uterus, which can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Prevention
In order not to talk about the infantilism of the uterus in a teenage girl, it is enough to ensure the normal development of the teenager's body - monitor nutrition, avoid stress. A woman during gestation should be especially attentive to her he alth in the first trimester.
