Overview
A retroverted uterus, also called a tilted or tipped uterus, means your womb tilts backwards towards your spine instead of forward towards your bladder. It is usually a normal anatomical variation and doesn’t cause health issues or infertility. Causes include being born with it or developing conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, infections or postpartum changes. Knowing why it occurs helps your doctor decide on treatment if it causes pain or fertility concerns.If you have been told that you have a retroverted uterus, you might wonder what it means for your health, symptoms and chances of getting pregnant. A retroverted uterus, sometimes called a tilted or tipped uterus, simply means that your womb tilts backwards towards your spine instead of leaning forward towards your bladder. In most cases, this is a normal variation of anatomy and does not cause serious health problems or infertility.Learning what causes a retroverted uterus can help you understand why you might be having certain symptoms or when to consult your doctor. Our experts have curated this blog to explain this condition in detail and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
What Is a Retroverted Uterus?
A retroverted uterus is one in which the uterus tips backwards towards the spine rather than tilting forwards towards the bladder. This is simply a difference in the position of the womb inside your pelvis, not a deformity or a sign that something is wrong. In many people, this position is entirely harmless and causes no symptoms.
Most people have an anteverted uterus, meaning the womb leans forwards. However, a retroverted uterus is also considered a normal anatomical variant. You often only discover this during a pelvic examination, ultrasound or fertility assessment. Knowing this can help explain certain symptoms, such as pain during intercourse or menstrual cramps, but it usually does not require treatment on its own.
What Causes A Retroverted Uterus?
Understanding what causes a retroverted uterus helps you and your doctor identify whether it is simply a natural variation or linked to an underlying condition. In some people, the uterus is retroverted from birth. This congenital position usually remains stable throughout life and does not affect your ability to conceive.
In others, the uterus may change position over time due to factors such as:
- Endometriosis: This can lead to scar tissue (adhesions) that pull the uterus backwards, causing pelvic pain, painful periods and pain during intercourse.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infections affecting your reproductive organs can cause inflammation and scarring, which may alter the uterine angle.
- Uterine Fibroids: These are benign growths in or around the uterus that can change its weight and shape, sometimes causing it to tilt backwards.
- Previous Surgery: Pelvic or abdominal surgery may lead to scar tissue that affects uterine position.
- Changes After Pregnancy: The uterus grows and stretches supporting ligaments during pregnancy. After delivery, these ligaments might lose their original elasticity, which can cause the uterus to tilt backwards.
When such factors cause symptoms, addressing the underlying condition can alleviate pain and promote pelvic health.
Is a Retroverted Uterus Normal?
A retroverted uterus is considered a normal anatomical variation. Many women have some degree of backwards tilt, and most with this uterus position have no problems. Having a retroverted uterus doesn’t mean you have a disease or that you will have difficulty getting pregnant.
For many women, this finding is incidental and discovered during a routine examination or ultrasound.
What Symptoms Can a Retroverted Uterus Cause?
Many people with a retroverted uterus have no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms are present, they are often related to an underlying cause (such as endometriosis or fibroids) rather than the tilt alone.
Possible symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure in your lower back or pelvis, especially around your period
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
- Pain during penetrative sex, particularly in certain positions
- Discomfort when using tampons.
- Urinary symptoms like frequent urination or difficulty fully emptying your bladder
These symptoms can overlap with many other gynaecological conditions. If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, speaking to a doctor can help you get a proper evaluation.
How Is a Retroverted Uterus Diagnosed?
A retroverted uterus is often detected during a routine pelvic examination. During this procedure, the clinician performs a bimanual assessment by simultaneously palpating the vaginal canal and the abdominal wall to determine the anatomical position and orientation of the uterus.
An ultrasound scan, particularly a transvaginal ultrasound, gives a clearer view of your pelvic organs and confirms the direction of your uterine tilt. Ultrasound can also help identify what causes a retroverted uterus in your case, such as fibroids, ovarian cysts or signs of endometriosis.
Does a Retroverted Uterus Affect Fertility & Pregnancy?
Fertililty
On its own, a retroverted uterus usually does not prevent you from getting pregnant. Sperm can still reach the cervix and travel through the uterus and fallopian tubes regardless of whether the womb tilts forwards or backwards. Many people with a retroverted uterus conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies.
However, conditions causing a retroverted uterus, like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or large fibroids, can affect fertility. This impacts ovulation, egg retrieval or embryo implantation. You should consult a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for 12 months, or six months if you are over 35, especially if you experience painful periods.
Pregnancy
In early pregnancy, a retroverted uterus can cause pelvic pressure, backache or urinary frequency. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus typically tips forwards, and by the second trimester, it usually normalises, alleviating initial discomfort.
In rare instances, the uterus might turn back quite far and get lodged inside the pelvis during pregnancy, a condition known as uterine incarceration. This situation is usually characterised by extreme pain as well as difficulty passing urine and requires prompt medical attention.
How Is a Retroverted Uterus Treated?
If your retroverted uterus is not causing symptoms, you usually do not need treatment. Many people simply require reassurance. Understanding what causes a tilted uterus in your situation helps guide whether additional treatment is needed.
When treatment is required, options include:
- Treating endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease with medicines or surgery to remove adhesions
- Removing or shrinking fibroids causing pain, bleeding or fertility issues
- Pain relief and hormonal treatments for menstrual symptoms
- Using a pessary (supportive vaginal device) to help tilt the uterus forwards, especially if prolapse is present
Treatment decisions should be personalised based on your symptoms, fertility plans and general health.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should see a doctor or gynaecologist if you:
- Have persistent pelvic pain or lower back pain
- Experience pain during sex
- Have very heavy, painful or irregular periods
- Have difficulty passing urine or emptying your bladder
- Have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or six months if over 35)
- Notice new or worsening symptoms related to a retroverted uterus
Seeking medical advice allows a professional to check for underlying causes and offer appropriate treatment or reassurance.
Final Thoughts
Finding out about your retroverted uterus can be unsettling in itself when combined with concerns about symptoms or fertility difficulties. In most cases, however, when the uterus is tipped, it is just a variation of what is considered normal anatomy. Being tipped is rarely connected with fertility problems or serious medical conditions when it is the only unique aspect of your reproductive health.
Understanding what causes a retroverted uterus in your situation is key to deciding whether further tests or treatment are needed. You may be born with it, or it could be related to conditions like endometriosis, fibroids or infections. Symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, heavy menses or fertility issues warrant seeing a doctor or fertility specialist for guidance. This information helps you make informed choices about your reproductive health.
Table of Contents
- What is a Retroverted Uterus?
- What Causes A Retroverted Uterus?
- Is a Retroverted Uterus Normal?
- What Symptoms Can a Retroverted Uterus Cause?
- How Is a Retroverted Uterus Diagnosed?
- Does a Retroverted Uterus Affect Fertility & Pregnancy?
- How Is a Retroverted Uterus Treated?
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- Final Thoughts
Common Questions Asked
Is a retroverted uterus dangerous?
A retroverted uterus is usually harmless and normal, but it may cause issues if linked to conditions like endometriosis, fibroids or infections that might need treatment.
Can a retroverted uterus cause infertility?
A retroverted uterus on its own generally does not cause infertility. Many people with this uterine position conceive naturally. If you are experiencing infertility issues, the real cause may lie within conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Does a retroverted uterus cause painful sex?
Some people experience pain during deep penetration because the tilted womb may be more easily bumped. This can be helped by changing positions and using lubrication. If the pain persists, however, it is best to discuss it with a doctor.
Will a retroverted uterus correct itself?
In some cases, the uterus may change position over time. During pregnancy, the growing uterus usually rises and tilts forward naturally. In others, it may remain tilted without causing issues.
How do doctors treat pain from a retroverted uterus?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Pain medications, hormonal therapies or specific treatments for problems such as endometriosis or fibroids may be advised by your physician. In rare cases, a pessary or surgery may be an option for severe symptoms.