What is a Tipped Uterus?
The uterus is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies develop in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus. In most women, the uterus hangs in a straight up and down position or is slightly tipped forward towards the abdomen. A tipped uterus is one that is tilted backwards away from the front of the body. Other names used for this condition are retroverted uterus or malposition of the uterus.
A tipped uterus, also known as a tilted uterus or womb, occurs when a woman’s uterus is tipped back towards the pelvis. The condition may also be referred to as a retroflexed, backward, or retroverted uterus or a uterine retroversion. Normally, the uterus, which is the organ in which a baby grows and develops, is vertically positioned in the pelvis. A tipped uterus may occur if the uterus never moves into the correct position during childhood or adolescence. A tipped uterus may also result from endometriosis or uterine fibroids, both of which cause scarring that can contribute to the positioning of the uterus. In other cases, giving birth can affect the position of the uterus. During pregnancy, sometimes the ligaments that support the uterus in the proper position can be permanently stretched, causing a tipped uterus. Typically, the ligaments regain their elasticity, and the uterus moves back into a more vertical or forward position after pregnancy. Many women will never know that they
A tipped uterus is a condition in which the uterus is tipped backward and downward (retroverted). In most women, the uterus is tilted upward and forward. A tipped uterus is a normal variation. How does it occur? You may have a tipped uterus because your uterus stayed in its retroverted position, which is usual in infancy, instead of moving forward as you matured. The position of your uterus also can change after childbirth–either tipping forward or backward. Less commonly, a tipped uterus may be caused by disease, such as a tumor, or scarring from endometriosis or infection. What are the symptoms? Most women have no symptoms at all. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will be able to feel the backward position of your uterus when you have a pelvic examination. How is it treated? No treatment is necessary usually. If disease is the suspected cause of your tipped uterus, your doctor may advise you to have a laparoscopy. This is a procedure in which your doctor inserts a small telescope int
