The doctor said I had "a lot of fluid behind the uterus." He would not say if this is normal or abnormal. He would not tell me anything else about it. I'm going to consult with another doctor to get some answers, but I have never heard of fluid behind the uterus. What kind of fluid can this be? Where could it come from? Is it just loose in my body?

--N.H.

A certain amount of free fluid in the pelvis, behind the uterus, is normal at certain points in your cycle; after ovulation, a small amount of fluid released with the egg collects behind the uterus and is eventually reabsorbed by the body. A larger amount of fluid may indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst. Pain is usually present in this instance, but most often resolves on its own within a few days. Infection is another possibility, but in this case symptoms such as pain and fever are often significant.

When you get the second opinion, be sure to bring a copy of the ultrasound report and the pictures themselves, if possible. This information will help the second doctor. A repeat ultrasound may be ordered to see if the fluid has gone away, assuming it was more than would be considered normal in the first place.