What Is Womb Health?

What is uterine health?

Uterine health means the womb is working as expected through each life stage, from regular periods to pregnancy and menopause. The womb's lining builds up and sheds each month, so changes in periods are often the first sign that something needs attention.

Common conditions that affect the womb

• Fibroids: non-cancerous growths in or around the womb.
• Endometriosis: tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere, such as on the ovaries.
• Adenomyosis: womb-lining tissue grows into the muscle wall of the womb.
• Heavy or painful periods, and womb (endometrial) cancer, which is more common after menopause.

What are signs of a womb problem?

Signs that should be checked by a GP include very heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods or after sex, any bleeding after menopause, pelvic pain and pain during sex. Many womb conditions can be managed once they are diagnosed. Regular cervical screening also protects reproductive health.

How can womb health affect work?

Heavy bleeding and pelvic pain can make some days hard. Easy access to toilets, a place to rest, flexible or remote work on bad days and time off for scans and treatment can help people keep working comfortably.

Sources: NHS, NHS (endometriosis), MedlinePlus.