We know that typically, the female anatomy can vary a bit from woman to woman: larger or smaller breasts, a higher or lower cervix, a shorter or longer vaginal length. However, there is a condition known as the retroverted uterus in which the position of the uterus is abnormal.
This doesn’t pose major risks to a woman’s health, and it’s not a very rare condition. But what does it mean? How can I know if I have a retroverted uterus? Can I use my menstrual cup if I have these characteristics?
You’ve come to the right place to answer these questions.
What is a retroverted or tilted uterus?
Before defining what the uterus in retroversion is, we must clarify what the normal uterine anatomy is (also known as a uterus in anteversion).
Under normal conditions, the uterus is curved and leans forward, as if pointing towards the lower abdomen at the front of the woman. However, up to 30% of women tend to show abnormalities concerning their reproductive anatomy.
We say the uterus is inverted because it’s oriented backward towards the woman’s spine. Normally, the uterine cavity is supported on the bladder, but in some degrees of retroversion, the uterus could become positioned over the rectum.
Don’t worry— it’s not a serious condition that will affect your health or prevent your fertility.
Why does the uterus become retroverted?
In many cases, this condition is congenital. The uterus may have already taken that position during the gestational period, such that girls are already born with this condition.
However, retroversion can occur subsequently as a result of other pathologies. Some causes of a retroverted uterus are:
- Pregnancy, although it can revert to its original position between 10 and 12 weeks of gestation.
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, caused by inflammation in the reproductive organs.
- Tumors
- Menopause
- Abortions
- Adhesions or scar tissue in any of the pelvic organs produced by surgery.
How can I know if I have a retroverted uterus? Will I show symptoms?
The way to determine this is through a gynecological exam. Usually, on your first visit, the gynecologist can determine if your uterus is retroverted.
However, it’s sometimes not so easy to notice at first glance, which can lead to confusing the uterus with some foreign mass or fibroid. Nevertheless, an ultrasound can solve this and determine the exact position of the uterus.
Usually, this condition is asymptomatic, meaning that no particular symptoms occur, especially if the abnormality has been present from birth.
On the other hand, when it occurs later in life, you may show some signs that could indicate a retroverted uterus such as pain when going to the bathroom, pain when having sex due to the penis colliding with the cervix, prolonged chronic constipation, and even symptoms of irritability, upset stomach, or headache.
Can I use my menstrual cup if I have a retrograde uterus?
Yes! The menstrual cup is located between your vaginal walls and does not reach the uterus, so you can use your menstrual cup without any problems.
We should clarify that in some degrees of retroversion, the uterus also causes the cervix to change position and cause you to unknowingly put in your menstrual cup incorrectly.
Related: 5 reasons why you could show leaks using the menstrual cup
Treatment and cure for a tilted uterus
A tilted uterus is a condition that shouldn’t cause discomfort such that you would need any treatment. However, when the roots of this anomaly are diseases, surgery, or pregnancies, anti-inflammatories and analgesics can be taken to calm belly aches and dysmenorrhea.
In some very rare situations, surgery is necessary to return the uterus to its place.
Getting pregnant having uterine retroversion: Can it be done?
Women with this condition won’t have problems getting pregnant, and their baby won’t be affected by the position of the uterus, so you shouldn’t worry. Even as the weight of the fetus grows, the uterus may return to its normal position.
However, remember that this anomaly may be caused by other diseases that are related to decreased fertility. Confirm with a doctor that you can treat and/or cure them, and then you’ll have no problems getting pregnant.
Women with a retroverted uterus have the same fertility as those who don’t. There are some positions that are recommended during sexual intercourse to avoid discomfort and open up the cervix to receive sperm.
