Retroverted uterus

Retroverted uterus
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	N85.4
ICD-9	621.6
MeSH	D019687

A retroverted uterus (tilted uterus, tipped uterus) is a uterus that is tilted backwards instead of forwards. This is in contrast to the slightly "anteverted" uterus that most women have, which is tipped forward toward the bladder, with the anterior end slightly concave.

Between 1 in 3 and 1-in-5 women (depending on the source) has a retroverted uterus, which is tipped backwards towards the spine.

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:

Distinction	More common	Less common
Position tipped	"anteverted": tipped forward	"retroverted": tipped backwards
Position of fundus	"anteflexed": the fundus is pointing forward relative to the cervix. Anterior of uterus is concave.	"retroflexed": the fundus is pointing backwards. Anterior of uterus is convex.

Additional terms include:

• retrocessed uterus: both the superior and inferior ends of the uterus are pushed posteriorly
• severely anteflexed uterus: the uterus is in the same position as "normal" and bends in the same direction (concave is anterior) but the bend is much pronounced
• vertical uterus: the fundus (top of the uterus) is straight up.

Causes

In most cases, a retroverted uterus is genetic and is perfectly normal but there are other factors that can cause the uterus to be retroverted.^[1] Some cases are caused by pelvic surgery, pelvic adhesions, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or the labor of childbirth.

Diagnosis

A retroverted uterus is usually diagnosed during a routine pelvic examination.^{[citation needed]}

It can cause pain in the lower back.^{[citation needed]}

It usually does not pose any medical problems, though it can be associated with dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) and dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation).^{[citation needed]}

Fertility & Pregnancy

Uterine position has no effect on fertility.^{[citation needed]} A tipped uterus will usually right itself during the 10th to 12th week of pregnancy.

If a uterus does not right itself, it may be labeled persistent.

Treatment

Treatment options are rarely needed, and include exercises, a pessary, manual repositioning, and surgery.

References

1. ^ "Retroverted Uterus" Women's Health, 2009, Web. 5 Mar. 2010. <http://www.womens-health.co.uk/retrover.asp>.

External links

• MedlinePlus Encyclopedia 001506
• Overview at mayoclinic.com
• Diagram at womens-health.co.uk
• Diagrams at mayamassage.co.uk (includes comparisons of retroverted, retroflexed, anteflexed, and retrocessed)