A retroverted uterus is a medical condition in which your uterus is tilted backward instead of forward in front of the cervix. Although it doesn’t affect your fertility, menstruation, and reproductive health, some women might experience symptoms, like painful menstruation. If you do experience symptoms, see a hysterectomy specialist at Hiranandani Hospital, Thane to discuss the most viable treatment. In the meantime, let’s learn more about the retroverted uterus, what’s normal, and what complications are possible. 

Causes of Retroverted Uterus

You can either be born with a retroverted uterus or develop it later in your life. Around one-fourth of women have their uterus tilting back toward the spine instead of forward to the abdomen. In some cases, retroverted uterus can be caused by:

  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Scarring caused by pelvic surgery
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease 

Sometimes, a prior pregnancy can change the position of your uterus. The ligaments that support your uterus loosen during pregnancy and can get over-stretched, causing your uterus to tilt backward. 

Symptoms of Retroverted Uterus

Women with the uterus aligned with the spine might experience no symptoms at all. They often remain unaware of the retroverted uterus until they get an ultrasound and other screenings. Others might experience a few common symptoms, like:

  • Painful sexual intercourse 
  • Frequent urination and a sudden urge to urinate 
  • Painful menstruation
  • Difficulty putting the menstrual cup into your vagina
  • UTI

How Does It Affect Fertility and Pregnancy?

A retroverted uterus itself doesn’t affect your fertility, but it can be caused by certain medical conditions that can affect your pregnancy. For instance, people with retroverted uterus can also be diagnosed with endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and fibroids. 

Fibroids can be removed through a minor surgery and so can endometriosis. For PID, your healthcare provider might recommend an antibiotic course. If it does cause problems in conceiving, you can consider in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for a healthy pregnancy.

A retroverted uterus doesn’t imply a high-risk pregnancy or a greater chance of miscarriage, but it can make certain pregnancy symptoms worse. For instance, some women with retroverted uterus might experience incontinence and extreme lower back pain in the first trimester. It’s also difficult for the doctor to get a picture of your uterus in an ultrasound, so they might recommend a transvaginal ultrasound to identify your pregnancy’s progress.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Retroverted uterus often remains undiagnosed. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and order an ultrasound to detect the tilted uterus. Fortunately, a retroverted uterus is not a life-threatening condition and requires no treatment unless the symptoms are interfering with your daily life. 

Sometimes, the doctors can correct the position of the uterus by strengthening the ligaments that cushion it. Exercises like pelvic contractions and knee-to-chest stretches can help. You can also opt for an uplift procedure or uterine suspension, both of which can be performed laparoscopically. You can also undergo a hysterectomy surgery in Majiwada Thane if the condition is affecting your lifestyle. However, you can’t conceive after this surgery.

Discover essential insights on hysterectomy – a comprehensive guide for understanding, empowerment, and informed decision-making : Hysterectomy: All You Should Know