The FUPA, also known as the fatty upper pubic area, refers to excess fat accumulation around the pubic area. This has led some to speculate that the FUPA may actually contain reproductive organs, like the uterus. In this article, we’ll explore whether there is any truth to the idea that the FUPA contains or is the uterus.
What is the FUPA?
The FUPA stands for Fat Upper Pubic Area. It refers to a fat deposit or bulge that develops front of the pubic bone and above the genitals. The FUPA is sometimes also called the pannus, pubic apron, or front butt.
Both men and women can develop a FUPA, but it is more common in women. Factors that can contribute to FUPA development include:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Genetics and body type – some people are just prone to storing fat in this area
- Loss of muscle tone in the abdominal area with age
- Pregnancy – the FUPA is common after pregnancy due to expanded uterus and stretched abdominal muscles
The FUPA is mostly a cosmetic concern, but in severe cases, it can cause irritations to the skin underneath due to moisture, bacteria, and chafing.
Where is the uterus located?
The uterus is a female reproductive organ located inside the pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The bottom portion of the uterus, called the cervix, opens into the vagina.
The uterus sits in a position that tilts slightly forwards, towards the bladder. Most of the uterus is located within the pelvis, but the top fundus section rises above the pelvic bones.
During pregnancy, the uterus expands up into the abdominal cavity to accommodate the growing fetus. After pregnancy, the uterus shrinks back down but may be positioned slightly differently than before.
Is there any relationship between the uterus and FUPA?
Given their proximity in the pelvic region, some people speculate that the FUPA bulge may actually be caused by reproductive organs like the uterus or ovaries being displaced upwards. However, medical experts refute this idea.
Here are some key reasons why the FUPA is not the uterus:
The uterus is located too deep inside to create an external bulge
Even when enlarged, the uterus remains within the pelvic cavity and lower abdominal cavity. It does not extend far enough externally to push outwards on the skin and fat layers. Any external bulging from the uterus would require a very severe uterine prolapse, which is rare.
Fat distribution is genetically determined
Where our bodies store fat is largely based on genetics, age, sex hormones, and overall weight gain trends. The FUPA bulge is simply an area prone to fat storage in some women and men. It is not caused by internal organs being displaced into the area. Liposuction can remove a FUPA bulge, confirming that it is just built up fat tissue.
The uterus and FUPA can co-exist separately
Many women have a FUPA bulge along with a normal sized uterus in the expected pelvic region. Both areas take up different spaces and do not directly impact each other. An ultrasound easily distinguishes the uterus from the external fat.
Hysterectomy does not remove the FUPA
Women who have had hysterectomy surgery to remove their uterus may still develop a FUPA later on if they gain weight. This is because fat distribution is not dependent on internal organs being present.
What causes the FUPA bulge if not the uterus?
The FUPA bulge is simply caused by natural fat storage patterns in the lower abdomen, influenced by factors like weight gain, genetics, hormones, and age. Here are some of the mechanisms behind FUPA development:
Fatty tissue accumulations
Like other parts of the body, the pubic region contains subcutaneous fat right under the skin. Weight gain adds layers of fat cells throughout the body, including the pubic zone. This creates the bulge or apron shape as the fat expands.
Loss of muscle tone
The abdominal muscles and connective tissue in the lower belly help hold things taut when toned. Loss of muscle strength here allows the area to expand outwards more easily. This can happen with age, pregnancy, menopause, and lack of exercise.
Genetics
Genes determine where each individual is likely to store excess fat. For some men and women, the lower belly and pubic zone are the first places added fat gets deposited even with modest weight gain.
Pregnancy
The expanding uterus and abdominal muscle stretching from pregnancy is a common trigger for initially developing a FUPA. Even after the uterus returns to normal size, the excess skin and separated muscles allow a bulge to form.
Can you get rid of a FUPA?
It is possible to reduce or get rid of a FUPA through weight loss, strengthening abdominal muscles, or procedures like liposuction. Here are some tips:
Lose weight
Shedding excess pounds of fat through diet and exercise helps shrink FUPA bulge. Focus on losing weight slowly in a healthy, sustainable way. Crash dieting causes loss of muscle and skin elasticity.
Build abdominal muscles
Strengthening the transverse abdominis and other abdominal muscles provides more tone and support in the area. Try Pilates, yoga poses, planks, and stability ball exercises.
Cosmetic procedures
Liposuction directly removes fat cells from the FUPA area through suction. In severe cases, a pubic lift or tummy tuck provides more dramatic reshaping by removing excess skin and tightening separated muscles.
Conclusion
While the lower belly FUPA bulge and internal uterus organ are nearby each other in the pelvic region, they do not directly impact or displace each other. The uterus remains safely within the pelvis unless severely prolapsed, while the FUPA is simply built up fat tissue on the surface. Losing weight, strengthening muscles, and cosmetic procedures can reduce a FUPA without any effect on reproductive organs.