UTERUS

The uterus is an upside-down, pear-shaped organ that is located between a woman’s bladder and her rectum. Also known and the womb, the uterus is where human infants spend their first forty weeks. The uterus is responsive to hormones and it may be the strongest muscle in the human body. It is composed of three layers with a hollow center. It is suspended in a woman’s pelvis by four sets of ligaments and it is supported by the pelvic floor. The upper part of the uterus is connected to the fallopian tubes. This is where the baby will grow during pregnancy. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. It sits between the vagina and the rest of the uterus. The cervix contains an opening that allows sperm into the uterus and lets blood and tissue out of the uterus during a menstrual cycle. The inner layer of the uterus is called the endometrium, which is where an embryo implants if conception has occurred. implantation and growth of embryo and fetus. The endometrium contains glands that secrete glycogen for energy storage and the endometrium develops a network of veins and arteries during the first part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This is in preparation for the implantation of an embryo. If an embryo is not implanted in the endometrium, much of the endometrium is sloughed off every month. This results in menstrual flow. The uterus can become elevated in the pelvis when a woman becomes highly aroused and when she is having an orgasm. Given that it is made of muscle, the uterus can contract and cause cramps that women experience shortly before and during their periods, as well as when they are pregnant. However, the uterus can also contract in pleasurable ways during sexual arousal and orgasm. This can be in conjunction with the contractions that occur in the pelvic muscles when a woman is having an orgasm. The importance of uterine contractions to a woman’s pleasure can vary from woman to woman. Some women say their orgasms are not as intense after they have had a hysterectomy (an operation where the uterus is removed). Other women have said their orgasms were not impacted by hysterectomy. 20% to 30% of women have a uterus that is tipped or tilted. This is very common and does not impact a woman’s ability to become pregnant. However, it can make rear entry intercourse uncomfortable.