Ligaments of the uterus

Looks like

Bands and folds of tissue anchoring the uterus to the pelvic walls, sacrum and groin.

What it does

Hold the uterus in place while letting it move and grow in pregnancy.

Keeping it well

They stretch with childbirth and ageing, allowing prolapse; a dragging feeling or bulge in the vagina should be assessed.

Its parts

• Broad ligament
• Round ligament
• Ovarian ligament
• Suspensory ligament of the ovary
• Uterosacral ligaments
• Cardinal ligaments

Related conditions

• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Hernia (inguinal, hiatal, umbilical)