Uterine retroversion is a different position of the uterus within the pelvis than the usual one. Currently, this phenomenon is not considered a pathology, but actually a variant of the norm. Nevertheless, patients with a retroverted uterus may wonder about several aspects, such as whether a retroverted uterus hinders conception, and whether this phenomenon may complicate the course of pregnancy in any way.

Retroflexion of the uterus , which should be clearly emphasized, is not a disease entity - nowadays this condition is considered less frequent than an anterior uterus, but it is treated as a variant of the norm . As the name implies, in the case of retroflexion, the body of the uterus is directed backwards (it is bent towards the spine).

The frequency of such uterine placement is not uncommon - according to statistics, a retroverted uterus occurs in 25% or even more women.

One of the basic elements of the female reproductive system - the uterus - is located within the so-called pelvis. There are three main parts of the uterus: the cervix, the endometrium, and the bottom of the uterus. The position of the uterus in most patients is typical of its anterior flexion, i.e. a state in which the body of the uterus points anteriorly towards the bladder. However, there is also the possibility of completely reversed uterine positioning, a condition known as uterine retrograde.

Retracted uterus: causes

Typically uterine retroversion is a congenital condition related to the structure of the patient's genital tract. The specific position of the uterus may, however, also be caused by other phenomena that already take place during the woman's life, such as:

  • endometriosis
  • presence of adhesions in the smaller pelvis (resulting from, for example, some surgical procedures in the abdominal cavity)
  • pelvic inflammation
  • uterine fibroids
  • childbirth (uterine retroflexion may appear after pregnancy).

Retracted uterus: symptoms

The vast majority of patients do not have any symptoms of retroverted uterus - this situation confirms the theory that a retroverted uterus should not be considered a disease entity. In some patients, however, it occurscertain problems coexisting with uterine distension - they include:

  • dyspareunia (pain experienced during intercourse, in the case of a retroverted uterus, it may appear especially during sexual intercourse related to deep penetration)
  • pain during menstruation
  • increased volume of menstrual bleeding
  • pains in the lumbar region of the spine

However, the uterine overturning itself does not lead to the problems described above - they are usually caused by conditions that coexist with atypical position of the uterus.

Retroflexion of the uterus: diagnosis

There are two ways of diagnosing uterine retrograde. The position of the uterus is assessed by a gynecologist during a standard gynecological examination, and even then it is possible to find an atypical position of the uterus. A retroverted uterus can also be detected during an ultrasound examination.

Retroflexion of the uterus: treatment

Reticulation of the uterus is not a disease and does not lead to any he alth problems, therefore it is not treatable. The situation is different in the case of these units, which can lead to the retrograde of the uterus. In a situation where a patient suffers, for example, from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or uterine fibroids, appropriate therapy should be implemented. This necessity results from the fact that these units can lead to very serious complications, including infertility.

Retraction of the uterus: effects on conception, pregnancy and childbirth

Patients with a retroverted uterus may be concerned about becoming pregnant and delivering it correctly afterwards. Fortunately, such worries are most likely unnecessary - just as uterine retraction is not a disease, it does not usually lead to obstetric complications. The occurrence of fertilization in patients with a retracted uterus may be slightly difficult, although it is not impossible. This is due to the fact that, due to the different position of the uterus, the migration of sperm through the female genital tract may be prolonged, which may reduce the chance of their contact with an egg. However, this problem can be relatively easily remedied - patients with uterine retroversion trying to get pregnant are recommended to have intercourse in certain specific positions (e.g. in the knee-elbow position). such a pregnancy - can any difficulties arise during it? Well, here, too, it is possible to reassure patients. The course of pregnancy inwomen with a retroverted uterus is typically no different from pregnancies in women with an overturned uterus. Indeed, in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman may experience certain ailments (mainly in the form of pain in the lumbar part of the back, related to the enlargement of the uterus), but they subside relatively quickly. In addition, it is worth remembering that during the development of the baby, the uterus … straightens itself. This occurs around week 12 of pregnancy, and is associated with both the growth of the baby and the enlargement of the uterus itself, but sometimes women with an overturned uterus do have problems conceiving. However, they are caused not by the location of the uterus itself, but by the coexistence of the aforementioned gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

About the authorBow. Tomasz NęckiA graduate of medicine at the Medical University of Poznań. An admirer of the Polish sea (most willingly strolling along its shores with headphones in his ears), cats and books. In working with patients, he focuses on always listening to them and spending as much time as they need.

Category:

Pregnancy