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DHAKA, Sept 10, 2025 (BSS) - Afroza Akhtar was four months pregnant when she began experiencing occasional abdominal pain and bleeding. After conception, her doctor advised her to have an ultrasound. But Afroza delayed, thinking she would do it later at an advanced stage of pregnancy.

Afroza said, “When I went to the doctor because of abdominal pain, he did an ultrasound, which showed that my uterus was slightly torn with a hole. That is why I was experiencing occasional bleeding and pain. Doctors recommend an ultrasound within the first three months to determine the position of the fetus in the uterus and to detect any problems. This helps to understand everything.” 

Former professor and gynecologist at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Farhana Dewan, said, “Many people think that the uterus only functions during childbirth. This is not true. Special care must be taken at certain stages of life, including menstruation, intercourse, pregnancy, and before and after menopause.” 

She explained, “It is necessary to use sanitary napkins during menstruation. Using dirty or wet napkins is harmful. Occasionally using hot water during this time provides additional protection to the uterus. Since the cervix remains open during menstruation, cleanliness is crucial to avoid infections and other complications.” 

She added, “It is not advisable to have intercourse with excessive force, as this may injure the uterus and cause infection. The vagina should be washed thoroughly before and after intercourse, and intercourse during menstruation should be avoided to prevent complications.”
 

Dr. Dewan further said, “During pregnancy and after delivery, special attention must be given to the uterus. The fetus stays and grows in the uterus. Therefore, prenatal checkups are essential to confirm the fetus’s position, as sometimes it grows in the ovary or fallopian tube, leading to complications. For this reason, doctors usually perform an ultrasound initially. Cleanliness and safe sexual practices during pregnancy are also important to protect both the fetus and uterus.” 

She added, “Before and after menopause, changes in the uterus are common. Many women experience heavy bleeding before menopause, while others face vaginal dryness and mistakenly assume it is a uterine issue. After menopause, some women’s uterus enlarges, giving the feeling that it is coming out. In such cases, consulting a doctor is necessary.”

Eminent gynecologist Dr. Maliha Rashid said, “Excessive menstrual bleeding, lower abdominal pain, missed periods, foul-smelling discharge, pus-filled menstruation, bleeding after intercourse, or bleeding between cycles are all signs of uterine problems. If you experience such symptoms—or stomach issues such as gas, constipation, or persistent abdominal pain—you should consult a gynaecologist.” 

She advised immediate consultation in cases of pressure in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, indigestion, constipation, feeling full after eating small amounts, bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, unexplained weight change, pain during intercourse, fatigue, or post-menopausal complications. 

She noted that uterine diseases often result from early marriage, childbirth at a young age, frequent pregnancies, multiple sexual partners, lack of hygiene, infections, smoking, or hereditary factors. 

Gynecologist Dr. Ashrafun Nesa said the government is paying special attention to this issue. Free uterine and breast cancer screening is available at district and central hospitals, along with low-cost treatment facilities.
 

She added that women should immediately visit hospitals, health centers, or doctors if such problems arise.