What is a tilted uterus?
How do you know if you have a tilted uterus? what is it all about, and is it the same thing as a retroverted uterus?
Today we’re about to answer every question you can think of that has to do with a tilted uterus. If we didn’t answer your question, drop it in the comments below! We’ll be sure to answer it here or possibly even address it in a future article!
What is a tilted uterus?
Let’s talk about a tilted uterus. Also known as a tilted cervix, tipped uterus, or retroverted uterus, this condition occurs when the uterus is tilted backward, so it ends up pointing toward the lower back. According to Better Health Channel, about 25% of women have a tilted or “retroverted” uterus. That is a really high percentage, which is why it is good to be aware of what it is and what it can mean for your everyday life, especially during menstruation.
Sometimes it’s a genetic condition, but there are several other factors that can cause it as well. In fact, according to Medical News Today, a tilted uterus can be caused by weakened pelvic muscles, an enlarged uterus, or scarring in the pelvis. Sometimes the uterus can be temporarily tilted, after pregnancy for example, and then make its own way back into position after some time.
Surprisingly enough, a retroverted uterus is not usually painful and doesn’t often impact childbirth or fertility so it can be hard to know you actually have it.
Can a tilted uterus be painful?
Most of the time, a retroverted uterus will not cause any pain. There are certain moments that a tilted cervix could cause pain, however. Those can include sex – if the cervix gets bumped repeatedly in the process due to its tilt – and potential period pain, if the retroverted uterus is caused by endometriosis.
Can I straighten my tilted uterus?
If your tilted or curved uterus is genetic or due to scarring, it may be difficult or impossible to alter its position. If, however, your uterus is temporarily tilted, there are a few exercises you can do to try to encourage it to return to its normal position. If your tilted cervix is causing you pain and it is not returning to its normal position after exercises, you may want to look into possible operations.
How it can affect pregnancy?
A tilted uterus should not cause a miscarriage because it naturally corrects itself as the womb begins to grow. In the extremely rare case of an incarcerated uterus (which is a uterus that gets trapped in the pelvis), a miscarriage could occur. According to Very Well Family, this condition is often accompanied by difficulty urinating, abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, constipation, and discomfort in the rectal area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are concerned, you should consult your physician.
Will this cause infertility?
It shouldn’t affect your fertility at all. According to Mayo Clinic, the only reason your fertility could be affected by a tilted uterus is if you have scarring from endometriosis that could cause the path of sperm to be hindered. This scarring could potentially decrease the possibility of pregnancy, but it does not make pregnancy unlikely!
Can I use a menstrual cup?
This is a common question, and the answer is YES! That being said, there are some certain techniques that we recommend to make sure you do not experience any leaking, so we wrote an entire blog post about using a menstrual cup with a tilted uterus!
Did this answer all of your questions? If there’s anything else you want to know… drop it in the comments!
Keep living free!
PLEASE NOTE: This blog post is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor. You should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to your health and particularly with respect to anything related to menstruation. If you have any concerns about using a Pixie Cup, consult your doctor before use. If you have any gynecological conditions, please talk to your physician before using any menstrual cup.
