What are the functions of the uterus?
Sep 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
The uterus has several important functions, including孕育 embryos and fetuses, forming menstrual cycles, secreting hormones and regulating the endocrine system, protecting pelvic organs, and participating in reproductive immune regulation. In daily life, it is essential to protect the uterus by maintaining regular作息, avoiding excessive fatigue, and undergoing routine gynecological examinations. If abnormalities such as irregular menstruation or abdominal pain occur, prompt medical evaluation should be sought to rule out uterine-related conditions and maintain reproductive health.
Under normal circumstances, the uterus performs several important functions, including embryonic and fetal development, menstruation formation, hormone secretion and endocrine regulation, protection of pelvic organs, and participation in reproductive immune regulation. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Embryonic and Fetal Development: This is the primary function of the uterus. After ovulation, the fertilized egg forms in the fallopian tube and gradually moves into the uterine cavity, where it eventually implants into the endometrium. The thickened endometrium provides nourishment for the embryo, while the uterine muscular layer progressively stretches during pregnancy to accommodate fetal growth, ultimately enabling delivery through uterine contractions at term.
2. Menstruation Formation: Under cyclic regulation by ovarian hormones, the endometrium undergoes periodic changes involving "proliferation, secretion, and shedding." When an egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels drop, causing the endometrium to lose hormonal support and shed. This tissue, along with blood, is expelled through the vagina, forming menstrual flow.
3. Hormone Secretion and Endocrine Regulation: The uterus is not merely a "container" for gestation; its endometrial cells can secrete substances such as prostaglandins, relaxin, and cytokines. Relaxin softens the cervix and loosens pelvic ligaments during pregnancy, preparing the body for childbirth. Prostaglandins play roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and initiating uterine contractions. Additionally, hormones secreted by the uterus provide feedback regulation of ovarian function, helping maintain female endocrine homeostasis.
4. Protection of Pelvic Organs: Positioned centrally in the pelvic cavity—with the bladder anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly—the uterus provides structural support and protection for surrounding organs. A normally positioned uterus helps prevent excessive bladder compression that could lead to urinary abnormalities and reduces the likelihood of external irritation to the rectum. Abnormal uterine position may compress adjacent organs, potentially causing symptoms such as frequent urination or constipation.
5. Participation in Reproductive Immune Regulation: The uterine mucosa contains abundant immune cells, including macrophages, T cells, and immune molecules, which together form a uterine immune barrier. In the non-pregnant state, this barrier defends against pathogen invasion and prevents pelvic infections. During pregnancy, it precisely modulates immune responses—preventing maternal rejection of the fetus while still protecting against external pathogens, thereby ensuring a safe pregnancy.
In daily life, it is important to protect the uterus through regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), avoiding excessive fatigue, and undergoing routine gynecological examinations. If abnormalities such as irregular menstruation or abdominal pain occur, prompt medical evaluation should be sought to rule out uterine-related diseases and maintain reproductive health.
