Uterous

The uterus has three major functions: to prepare a bed for a fertilized ovum, to nourish the developing embryo during pregnancy, and to expel the fetus. Shaped like an upside-down pear, and tilted forwards, it lies within the pelvis and is held in place, along with its two extensions, the Fallopian tubes, by ligaments and folds of the peritoneum. The cervix forms the lower third, connected by a narrow isthmus to the main muscular body of the uterus. The non-pregnant uterus weighs 45–60 g and is 7–8 cm long but its weight increases more than ten-fold by the end of pregnancy.

Uterine leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyomas are common, benign, smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. They are found in nearly half of women over age 40 and infrequently cause problems. Synonyms include Fibroids, Myomas, and Leiomyomata. Fibroids tend to grow under the influence of estrogen, and regress when the estrogen levels are reduced. Thus, growth frequently occurs during pregnancy, followed by regression following delivery. After the onset of menopause, fibroids generally regress.