Retroverted Uterus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A retroverted uterus refers to a condition in which the uterus tilts backward towards the spine instead of the abdomen. This condition affects a large portion of women globally and is considered a normal anatomical variation but it can cause complications during pregnancy. Many women with a retroverted uterus remain unaware of their condition as it does not exhibit visible symptoms for most cases.

This article will explore the cause of retroverted uterus, symptoms of retroverted uterus, and available management options to help patients understand this condition better.

What is a Retroverted Uterus During Pregnancy?

A retroverted uterus during pregnancy is when the uterus maintains its backward tilt even when the pregnancy begins. This variation is generally benign and often goes undetected without specific medical examination.

As the pregnancy advances, the growing uterus shifts into a forward-facing position by the end of the first trimester. However, in rare cases the uterus may remain tilted even during the pregnancy. This condition is known as uterine incarceration and can lead to complications. Thus, the combination of a retroverted uterus and pregnancy requires timely medical attention.

Symptoms of a Retroverted Uterus

Many women with a retroverted uterus do not experience any noticeable signs or symptoms. But for those who experience symptoms, they are often related to the uterus’s position and include:

• Pelvic or Lower Back Pain: Discomfort in the lower back or the pelvic region especially during menstruation or prolonged standing.
• Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Some women experience pain and discomfort during intercourse due to the altered angle between the cervix and vagina.
• Difficulty Inserting Tampons: The cervix may point more posteriorly making tampon placement challenging and occasionally uncomfortable.
• Increased Urinary Frequency or Urgency: Increased pressure on the urinary bladder can lead to more frequent urges to urinate or a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
• Menstrual Irregularities or Heavier Cramps: The angular positioning of the uterus may lead to painful and more frequent menstrual cramps or even affect flow patterns.

What is the Cause of Retroverted Uterus?

The underlying factors that lead to a retroverted uterus are as mentioned below.

• Genetic Factors: Many women are born with anatomical variations related to the uterus and pelvic area.
• Endometriosis: Scar tissue from endometriosis is a fibrous material that forms when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can attach to the uterus, pulling it into a backward tilt.
• Uterine Fibroids: Growths within the uterine wall may distort its shape or alter its weight distribution.
• Pelvic Infections and Surgeries: Previous infections or pelvic surgeries can cause adhesions (thick and bumpy scar-like tissue) and scarring.
• Ligament Laxity After Pregnancy: Overstretching of ligaments of the uterus during pregnancy may reduce uterine support.

What are the Risk Factors for a Retroverted Uterus?

The risk factors for a retroverted uterus include:

• Age: The risk of retroverted uterus increases with age.
• Previous childbirth: Pregnancy stretches the ligaments supporting the uterus, making retroversion more likely.
• Adhesions: Scar tissue from surgery, infection or conditions like endometriosis can pull the uterus backward.
• Fibroids: Growths within or on the uterus can distort its shape or weight, contributing to tilt.
• Pelvic infections: Infections like the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) cause inflammation and scarring that can affect uterine position.

How to Diagnose a Retroverted Uterus?

Diagnosis of a retroverted uterus involves clinical examination and imaging techniques to confirm uterine position and rule out underlying pathology.

• Pelvic Examination: Physical examination during a gynaecological exam can assess uterine orientation by examining if the top of the uterus is tilted toward the spine instead of the abdomen.
• Transvaginal or Transabdominal Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging provides visual confirmation of the tilt of the uterus and identifies any associated conditions (e.g., fibroids, endometriosis).
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI accurately depicts uterine position, pelvic adhesions and other soft-tissue details.
• Laparoscopy: Direct visualisation confirms the uterus’ position and assesses if there’s any scarring or scar-like tissue. This method is used only for those cases where surgical intervention is required.

A retroverted uterus is a common anatomical condition that can cause complications during the pregnancy. Recognising symptoms allows timely evaluation, retroverted uterus cure and management. Healthcare providers use pelvic examinations and imaging studies to confirm the position of the uterus. Upon noticing any symptoms of a retroverted uterus, one must consult a doctor and book a pelvic doppler ultrasound at Dr Lal PathLabs.

Download the Dr Lal PathLabs App to get a quick and clear diagnosis.

FAQs

1. Can a retroverted uterus affect fertility?

A retroverted uterus does not impair natural conception as fertility remains normal unless coexisting pelvic conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids are present.

2. Can exercise for retroverted uterus help reposition the uterus?

Exercises such as pelvic tilts, bridge pose and knee-to-chest stretches can relieve discomfort and support natural repositioning though overall results vary for each individual.