If you have ever had an ultrasound of your uterus and tried to read the results, you may have wondered what some of the terms mean.
What is the fundus of uterus, and why might it show up on your ultrasound report?
The fundus of the uterus is the rounded top part of the uterus, and doctors often mention it to describe where something is located, which can include observations that are considered normal or conditions like fibroids.
When you understand terms like this, it can help you make sense of your results. This article will give you a simple breakdown of the anatomy of a uterus, how fibroids can affect the fundus, common symptoms you may experience, and signs that you should seek medical attention.
What Is the Fundus of The Uterus?
The fundus is the top part of the uterus that is rounded and sits over the body and opposite the cervix. If you think about the uterus being shaped like an upside-down pear, the fundus is the top dome-shaped part.
The fundus of the uterus is made mostly of muscle, so the uterus can perform many different functions. It contracts during your period to shed the lining and gently stretches as a baby grows during pregnancy, and creates stronger contractions during childbirth to help deliver the baby.
Uterine Anatomy Terms:
- Fundus: The top rounded portion of the uterus
- Body: The main central part of the uterus, where the lining builds up and sheds during your period
- Cervix: Lower narrow part that opens into the vagina
These terms are used to universally describe areas within the uterus, and you may come across them when looking at your imaging results.
Why Do Doctors Mention the Fundus of the Uterus?
Doctors often use the term “fundus” to describe where something is located inside the uterus. You may see these terms on imaging reports, like ultrasounds or an MRI.
- Fundal (top of the uterus)
- Anterior (front wall of the uterus)
- Posterior (back wall of the uterus)
Using these terms helps pinpoint the exact position of where things like fibroids may have been spotted. During pregnancy, you might hear or see the term “fundal height” when your doctor measures or tracks the growth of the fetus.
Fundus Of the Uterus And Fibroids
Fibroids are very common, noncancerous growths that form in and on the uterus and are made from the same muscular tissue found within the uterus. Many women have them, but some women are unaware because sometimes they do not cause symptoms.
Fibroids are placed in categories depending on where they grow on the uterus.
- Intramural fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroids grow toward the inner lining.
- Subserosal fibroids grow away from the uterine lining toward the outside of the uterus.
When a fibroid is described as “fundal,” it just means it is located in the upper part of the uterus. It does not change the type of fibroid it is, just describes where it is located.
For Example:
- A fundal intramural fibroid is located in the top portion of the uterus, inside the muscle wall.
- A fundal subserosal fibroid would be one that is growing outward from the top of the uterus.
The symptoms a woman experiences because of fibroids are most often determined by their size and exact location.
What Symptoms Can Be Caused By Fundal Fibroids?
Fibroids can cause symptoms that can affect a woman’s daily life, and some women may have no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms fibroids can cause include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Longer periods
- Spotting between cycles
- Pelvic pressure
- Bloating or abdominal swelling
- Lower back pain
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sex
Find out more about relief from fibroid symptoms.
How Are Fundal Fibroids Normally Diagnosed?
Fundal fibroids are often found when a woman seeks help to alleviate symptoms or during a routine pelvic exam or imaging scan.
Ultrasound is the most commonly used method to find fibroids and describe whether they are fundal. MRI scans provide much clearer images and can clearly show the size and exact location of each fibroid. This helps the doctor locate the fibroids that are most likely causing the symptoms.
The doctor will normally go through a series of steps, which include the following:
- Review the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
- Conduct a physical exam.
- Perform an ultrasound imaging scan to determine the size and location.
If heavy bleeding is present, the doctor may also order some lab work to check for anemia.
Treatments For Fibroids
The treatments used for fundal fibroids will depend on your symptoms, the size of the fibroid(s), and if they are seriously affecting your quality of life.
Some treatment options include:
- Watchful waiting and monitoring the situation going forward may be enough if there are no symptoms or they are mild.
- Minimally invasive procedures such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) will shrink fibroids by cutting off blood flow to kill the fibroid and alleviate symptoms.
- Surgical treatments may remove fibroids or the entire uterus, depending on individual circumstances.
The best option for you will depend on your needs and circumstances.
When To See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing:
- Heavy bleeding that affects your daily life.
- Fatigue or dizziness that could be signs of anemia.
- Severe or worsening pelvic pain or pressure.
- Bleeding or new symptoms after menopause.
- Constipation from pelvic pressure or frequent urination.
- Painful pressure during intercourse.
These symptoms do not always mean something serious is going on, but they should be checked out by a doctor.
Where Can I Get Help With Uterine Fibroids?
The Atlanta Fibroid Center treats fibroids using a minimally invasive technique called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). There is no surgery involved; it preserves your uterus, and it has a 90% success rate.
Dr. John Lipman and Dr. Banerjee are experts in uterine fibroid embolization.
If your fibroid symptoms are negatively affecting your daily life, consulting with out experts can provide you with knowledge and guidance, so you can choose the best treatment for your situation.
Set up your personal consultation today to learn more.
FAQs
Where Is the Fundus of the Uterus Located?
The fundus is the top, rounded part of the uterus that sits over the main body and opposite the cervix.
What Does “Fundal Fibroid” Mean?
This means that the fibroid is growing at the top part of the uterus and describes where the fibroid is located but not the type or severity.
Can Fibroids in The Fundus Cause Heavy Bleeding?
Yes. They can affect the inner lining of the uterus and, depending on how close the fibroid is to the uterine cavity, can cause heavy bleeding.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Fibroids are usually diagnosed with a pelvic exam and then confirmed with ultrasound and MRI imaging to confirm their size and exact location.
