The normal position of the uterus is known as the anteverted position where the uterus tips forward at the cervix.
The uterus is a reproductive organ responsible for different functions, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and labor and delivery. It can lie in different positions in the pelvis, which may differ from one woman to another.
Usually, the uterus is a pear-shaped organ that lies horizontally over the bladder and tilts forward at the cervix, pointing toward the abdomen. This normal presentation of the uterus is called an anteverted position, however, an anteverted uterus may only be found in 50 percent of women, while the rest of the female population have a different uterine position.
What are the other positions of the uterus?
The uterus can be in different positions, which may be slightly abnormal, such as:
- Retroverted uterus: The uterus may be vertical in line with the plane of the vagina and lies tilted toward the tailbone, which is present in one-quarter of women. In most cases of a retroverted uterus, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are tipped backward too.
- Generally, a tilted or tipped uterus does not cause any symptoms in most women. However, in some, a retroverted uterus can cause the following symptoms:
- Anteflexed: The uterus may be tilted severely at the cervix in the abdominal region.
- Women with an anteflexed uterus may experience increased pressure in the pelvic region.
- Other complications of the anteflexed uterus may include:
- Retroflexed: The uterus may be tilted backward severely, causing extreme tension on the ligaments and severe pressure in the low back.
- Complications of the retroflexed uterus may include:
- Pain in the vagina and lower back during sexual intercourse
- Pain during menstruation
- Difficulty inserting tampons
- Frequent urinary tract infection
- Mild incontinence (partial loss of bladder)
- Protrusion of the lower abdomen
- Complications of the retroflexed uterus may include:
Can I get pregnant with a tilted uterus?
Yes, women can get pregnant with a tilted uterus. About 20 to 25 percent of women have a retroverted uterus.
- The position of the uterus does not affect the sperm’s ability to reach the egg.
- However, an extremely severe tilted uterus may interfere with the sperm’s ability to fertilize the egg.
A tilted uterus does not complicate labor and delivery. Sometimes, pregnancy can cause the uterus to tilt backward.
What are the causes of a tilted uterus?
Most women are born with a tilted uterus. In rare cases, a tilted uterus may be caused by various conditions, which include:
- Menopause: Aging can weaken the ligaments holding the uterus, resulting in a tilted uterus.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the cells that grow in the uterus grow outside them. These cells can stick the uterus to other organs, causing it to tilt.
- Pelvic surgery: Surgery in the pelvis can lead to the formation of a band of scar tissue, causing the uterus to tilt.
- Fibroids: Fibroids are benign tumors that can tilt the uterus to a backward position.
- Genetics: In some cases, if the mother had a tilted uterus, their children are likely to have a tilted uterus.
Medically Reviewed on 10/21/2021
References
Schroeder A. I have a tilted uterus. Should I worry? University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2016/05/tilted-uterus-should-i-worry.php