Where is a Woman's Uterus Located?
A woman's uterus is located in the pelvis, specifically situated between the bladder and the rectum. It's held in place by pelvic floor muscles, the perineal body, and ligaments in the pelvis, lower back, and hips.
The uterus, also known as the womb, is a pear-shaped, hollow organ. Its location within the pelvis ensures protection for the developing fetus during pregnancy. Several anatomical structures contribute to its stability:
- Pelvic Floor Muscles: These muscles provide significant support.
- Perineal Body: This fibrous structure also contributes to uterine support.
- Ligaments: Ligaments connecting to the pelvis, lower back, and hips help keep the uterus in its proper position.
Multiple sources confirm this location:
- Cleveland Clinic: Describes the uterus as a "pear-shaped organ in the reproductive system...It's where a fertilized egg implants during pregnancy." https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22467-uterus
- National Cancer Institute: Defines the womb (uterus) as "The hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis...where a fetus (unborn baby) develops and grows." https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/womb
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: States that the uterus is a "hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a person's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum." https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/anatomy-of-female-pelvic-area
- MedlinePlus: Reinforces the location as "a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19263.htm
- StatPearls: Specifically notes the uterus's position "immediately posterior to the bladder and anterior to the rectum." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470297/
