If men had a uterus, they would brag about it
The uterus, or womb as it's also known as, is one of the most fascinating organs in a woman's body. And I can tell you, if men had a uterus, they'd probably brag about its amazing qualities and adaptability 😊 But when it comes to women, the uterus is often a silent hero that plays a crucial role in both reproductive health and overall wellbeing.
THE UTERUS: A MUSCULAR MASTER
The uterus is a muscular organ that weighs only about 70 grams when it is in its "resting state". But during pregnancy it undergoes a remarkable transformation. By the end of pregnancy, the uterus can weigh up to 2.2kg, an increase of more than 30 times its original weight. This is due to the rapid growth of both muscle and connective tissue that supports and protects the growing foetus.
Buy VagiVital AL Self-test for the detection of amnotic fluid leakage here!
A SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF THE MUSCULATURE OF THE UTERUS
The uterus consists of three layers, each with its own important functions:
1. Endometrium - The inner layer that is renewed every month during the menstrual cycle. This layer is built up to accept a fertilised egg and is rejected if pregnancy does not occur. This is your period.
2. Myometrium - The middle layer consists of smooth muscle and is both the strongest and most powerful. During labour, it is this layer that contracts to help the baby to be born.
3. Perimetrium - The outermost layer acts as a protective membrane for the entire uterus.
CHANGES IN THE UTERUS THROUGHOUT LIFE
During a woman's life, the uterine muscles go through several phases:
🌸 During menstruation: The endometrium helps to remove the thickened uterine lining, leading to menstrual bleeding.
🌸 During pregnancy: The muscles in the uterus stretch and adapt to the growing foetus. The uterus becomes significantly larger and heavier.
🌸 During labour: The uterine lining performs some of the most powerful and coordinated muscle contractions in the body to help the baby be born.
HORMONES AND THE UTERUS
The functions of the uterus are controlled by a finely tuned orchestra of hormones. Oestrogen and progesterone are the main hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. During pregnancy, the levels of these hormones increase, promoting growth and change of the uterine tissue.
During the menopause, the production of oestrogen decreases, causing the uterine tissue to become thinner and less elastic. This can cause symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, which affects the quality of life of many women.
VagiVital AktivGel is a hormone-free gel that moisturises the driest mucous membranes. We get a lot of questions about how to use the gel, so here's a little reminder of the importance of starting by using the gel every day for 3 months, which is equivalent to 3 tubes.
Buy a 3-pack of Aktiv Gel and get a 10% discount here!
RESEARCH AND PROGRESS
Research into the uterus and its functions is making steady progress. Recent studies have shown that the uterus is not only a place for foetal development, but that it also plays an important role in a woman's overall health. For example, researchers have discovered that the uterus has its own immune system, which helps protect against infection and inflammation.
It's also fascinating that the uterus can affect the brain and central nervous system through hormonal signalling. This helps to explain why the menstrual cycle and pregnancy can have such profound effects on a woman's mood and behaviour.
Read the blog PMS and premenopause: How to tell them apart?
SOMETIMES UTERINE SURGERY IS A NECESSARY CHOICE
Some women need to have their uterus (hysterectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy) removed for various medical reasons. It may be necessary due to uterine cancer, heavy bleeding, endometriosis or chronic pain.
It can feel like a big change and be an emotionally taxing experience, but the surgeries can lead to a better quality of life and less pain and discomfort. However, making the decision to undergo such an operation is often difficult and can be associated with a lot of anxiety and fear.
We've all been born having spent our first few months in a womb. And yes, the womb is an incredible organ that deserves to be celebrated for its many functions and adaptability. But we must also recognise that women without a womb have the same natural strength and power. Whether a woman has a womb or not, her value, strength and potential is unlimited ❤️
Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se