Retrospective Uterus - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

The retroverted uterus is an anomaly of the position of the organ inside the pelvic cavity; the uterus, instead of being tilted forward, appears deviated backwards.

This anatomical variant may be congenital (present from birth) or acquired. In the latter case, the uterus is initially upside down and changes position following an anomaly that occurs in the pelvic area. This occurs more frequently due to a fibroid or an inflammatory process that causes adhesions or a weakening of the pelvic ligaments, such as to alter its position.

The retroversion of the uterus can also occur following abortions and difficult parts. Furthermore, this anomaly can also be found in very thin women prone to ptosis, or lowering of the organs.

The retroverted uterus can result from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, salpingitis and neoplastic processes. The condition can also manifest itself during menopause due to a relaxation of connective tissues or as a consequence of a previous surgical intervention.

The retroverted uterus can be associated with a feeling of heaviness in the lower part of the abdomen and an increase in pain in the lumbar region, which is accentuated during the premenstrual period or during the cycle. In addition, some women may experience painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).

Fertility is in no way compromised by the retroverted uterus and the course of a possible gestation can be normal.

In most cases, no treatment is needed; usually, after increasing the volume that occurs physiologically during a pregnancy, the uterus tends to straighten up, assuming, finally, a more regular position. Only in rare cases, surgery is used to correct the position of the uterus (hysteropexy).