View source for Retroverted uterus

{{not to be confused with|inverted uterus}}
{{more medical citations|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
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 |synonym       = Tipped uterus
 |image         = Retroverted uterus in pregnancy.png
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 |caption       = A [[transvaginal ultrasound]] showing a retroverted uterus during pregnancy. The [[cervix]] lies posteriorly to the [[urinary bladder]], and the uterus normally extends superiorly from it, but the direction of the body of the fetus reveals that the uterus extends backwards.
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 |specialty     = [[Gynaecology]]
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 |treatment     =  Exercise. Vaginal pessary. Manual repositioning. Surgery.
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A  '''retroverted uterus''' ('''tilted uterus''', '''tipped uterus''') is a [[uterus]] that is oriented posteriorly, towards the rectum in the back of the body. This is in contrast to the typical uterus, which is oriented forward (slightly "[[Anteversion|anteverted]]") toward the [[Urinary bladder|bladder]], with the anterior part slightly concave. Between one in three to one in five uteruses is retroverted, or oriented backwards towards the [[vertebral column|spine]]. Generally, a retroverted uterus does not cause any problems, nor does it interfere with pregnancy or fertility. Most people with retroverted uteruses will not know they have this characteristic.

== Related terms ==
The following table distinguishes among some of the terms used for the position of the uterus:

A retroverted uterus should be distinguished from the following:
[[File:Retroverted and Retroflexed Uterus 1.png|thumb|305px|Left: Anteverted, the most common position; Middle: Retroverted; Right: Retroflexed]]
{| class="wikitable"
! Distinction !! More common !! Less common
 |-
 | Position overall || "anteverted": oriented forward || "retroverted": oriented backwards
 |-
 | Position of fundus  || "anteflexed": the fundus (deepest part of uterus)  is pointing forward relative to the cervix. Anterior aspect of uterus is concave. || "retroflexed": the fundus is pointing backwards. Anterior aspect of uterus is convex.
|}

Additional terms include:
* ''retrocessed uterus:'' both the superior and inferior ends of the uterus are pushed posteriorly
* ''severely anteflexed uterus:'' a pronounced forward bend in an anteflexed uterus
* ''vertical uterus:'' the [[Fundus (uterus)|fundus]] (top of the uterus) is straight up

== Causes ==
In most cases, a retroverted uterus is a normal variation present from birth. As a woman matures, the uterus generally moves into a forward tilt, however in some cases the uterus remains in the same position angled backwards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Services |first=Department of Health & Human |title=Retroverted uterus |url=http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/retroverted-uterus |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref> 

Some other conditions and gynaecological diseases can cause a retroverted uterus.<ref>"Retroverted Uterus" ''Women's Health'', 2009, Web. 5 Mar. 2010. <http://www.womens-health.co.uk/retrover.asp></ref> [[Endometriosis]] can cause the retroversion by 'gluing' the uterus to other pelvic structures or attach itself to other organs. [[Uterine fibroid|Uterine fibroids]] can cause the uterus to tip backwards.

[[Pregnancy]] can sometimes overstretch the ligaments that hold the uterus in place and allow it to tip backwards, however it does tend to return to its original shape. [[Menopause]] equally affect these ligaments - when menstrual cycles stop, [[estrogen]] [[hormone]] levels decline and impact the surrounding uterine ligaments. Pelvic [[Adhesion (medicine)|adhesions]] (scar tissue) can be caused by surgery in the pelvic area which can pull the uterus into a retroverted position.<ref name="ISSM">"What is a Tilted Uterus" ''International Society for Sexual Medicine'', 9 May. 2021.<https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-a-tilted-uterus-how-might-it-affect-a-woman-sexually/></ref>

== Diagnosis ==

A retroverted uterus is usually noted during a routine [[pelvic examination]] or with an internal ultrasound.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/retroversion-of-the-uterus |title = Retroversion of the uterus Information {{!}} Mount Sinai - New York}}</ref> 

It usually does not pose any medical problems, though it can be associated with [[dyspareunia]] (pain during [[sexual intercourse]]) and [[dysmenorrhea]] (pain during [[menstruation]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-a-tilted-uterus-how-might-it-affect-a-woman-sexually/ |title = What is a tilted uterus how might it affect a woman sexually? - ISSM| date=26 August 2014 }}</ref>

== Fertility and pregnancy ==
Rarely, a retroverted uterus is due to a disease such as endometriosis, an infection or prior surgery. Those conditions, but not the position of the uterus itself, can reduce fertility in some cases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mayoclinic.org/tilted-uterus/expert-answers/faq-20058485 |title = Tilted uterus: Can it lead to infertility? - Mayo Clinic| website=[[Mayo Clinic]] }}</ref> A tipped uterus will usually move to the middle of the pelvis during the 10th to 12th week of [[pregnancy]].

Rarely (1 in 3,000 to 8,000 pregnancies), a retroverted uterus will cause painful and difficult urination and can cause severe urinary retention. Treatment for this condition (called "[[incarcerated uterus]]") includes manual anteversion of the uterus, and usually requires intermittent or continuous catheter drainage of the bladder until the problem is rectified or spontaneously resolves by the natural enlargement of the uterus, which brings it out of the tipped position.<ref>Anatomic and Functional Changes of the Lower Urinary Tract During Pregnancy.  Urologic Clinics of North America - Volume 34, Issue 1 (February 2007)</ref> 

In addition to manual anteversion and bladder drainage, treatment of urinary retention due to a retroverted uterus can require the use of a [[pessary]], or even surgery.
If a uterus does not reposition, it may be labeled ''persistent''.

== Sexual impact ==
Most people will not know that they have a retroverted uterus, however it can sometimes affect sexual intercourse. Considering the angle of the uterus, the [[Ovary|ovaries]] and the [[Fallopian tube|fallopian tubes]] are also tilted, and [[dyspareunia]] can occur,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12325-dyspareunia-painful-intercourse |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=Cleveland Clinic |language=en}}</ref> where the head of the penis may impact or butt these parts during intercourse. Being positioned on top can be more painful. Vigorous sex can sometimes cause ligaments in or around the uterus to tear or be injured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Services |first=Department of Health & Human |title=Retroverted uterus |url=http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/retroverted-uterus |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref>

== Treatment ==
Treatment options are rarely needed, but if they cause problems some options for a solution can be offered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Services |first=Department of Health & Human |title=Retroverted uterus |url=http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/retroverted-uterus |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref>

A doctor can manually reposition the uterus in a pelvic examination if movement of the uterus is not hindered by endometriosis or fibroids, and exercises afterwards may help. Doctors are divided as to whether or not pelvic exercises are worthwhile as a long term solution, as in many cases the uterus tips backwards again.

If the retroverted uterus is caused by underlying conditions like endometriosis, hormone therapy can be offered.

A pessary&mdash;a small plastic or silicone device&mdash;supports the uterus in a forward position either temporarily or permanently. However, pessaries correlate with higher [[infection]] and [[inflammation]] risks, and patients may experience discomfort during intercourse.

Through [[laparoscopic surgery|laparoscopic]] ("keyhole") surgery, [[surgeon]]s can reposition the uterus over the bladder. This minimally invasive procedure typically yields successful results. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend a [[hysterectomy]] (surgical removal of the uterus).

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* {{MedlinePlusEncyclopedia|001506}}
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/multimedia/tipped-uterus/img-20008147 Overview at mayoclinic.com]
* [http://www.womens-health.co.uk/retrover.asp Diagram at womens-health.co.uk]

{{Medical resources
| ICD10           = {{ICD10|N85.4}}, {{ICD10|O34.5}}, {{ICD10|O65.5}}
| ICD10CM         = <!--{{ICD10CM|Xxx.xxxx}}-->
| ICD9            = {{ICD9|621.6}}
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| MeshID          = D019687
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{{Diseases of the pelvis, genitals and breasts}}

[[Category:Noninflammatory disorders of female genital tract]]