US Medical Term · anatomy
Uterus
Útero
Also: Matriz (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Uterus |
| Spanish (Español) | Útero |
| Chinese (中文) | 子宮 |
| Korean (한국어) | 자궁 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tử cung |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Matris |
| Portuguese (Português) | Útero |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | มดลูก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 子宮 |
What it means
The uterus, commonly called the womb, is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. It is where a fertilized egg implants and a baby grows during pregnancy. Each month, the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, that lining is shed during menstruation. Common conditions involving the uterus include fibroids (benign growths), endometriosis, uterine cancer, and infections. Symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or painful periods should be discussed with your doctor. The uterus is typically examined with an ultrasound.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have heavy bleeding between periods and my doctor wants to check my uterus.
Tengo sangrado abundante entre periodos y el médico quiere revisar el útero.
The ultrasound showed fibroids growing in my uterus.
El ultrasonido mostró fibromas en el útero.
I have pelvic pain that may be coming from my uterus or surrounding area.
Tengo dolor pélvico que puede estar viniendo del útero o del área circundante.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026