Know what is a retroverted uterus and if it is necessary to treat it

Most women have the uterus facing forward, leaning over the bladder. However, some (about 20% of women) have the organ facing backwards (toward the spine and rectum), the so-called retroverted (or reversed) uterus. Contrary to what many people think, this is not a problem, nor a disease.

Although this is a characteristic that accompanies a woman from birth (generally), it may take time for her to discover that she has a retroverted uterus until she undergoes a routine exam that reveals the position – which can be important in some situations, such as for example, in vitro fertilization (when the doctor will insert the embryos) or IUD placement.

What is a retroverted uterus

Bruna Pitaluga (CRM-DF 13.157), a gynecologist at Hospital Santa Lucia and a member of the Brazilian Society of Gynecology, explains that the uterus has a forward or backward curvature. “It is not a straight organ inside the abdomen. This is anatomically related to pregnancy. The retroverted uterus is one where this curvature is backwards, facing the woman’s back,” she clarifies.

A retroverted uterus may require more attention if retroversion is associated with certain circumstances, such as certain cases of endometriosis, flaccidity of the ligaments that attach the uterus to the pelvis or other organs, or the presence of fibroids or scarring (consequent of endometriosis or of pelvic infections).

It is worth mentioning, however, that saying that the retroverted uterus can cause endometriosis is a myth. For, in fact, endometriosis is what can be responsible for the change in position of the uterus, in specific cases.

Retroversion can also occur during childbirth, generally being characterized as a transitory position, which will not cause any problems for the woman or the baby.

That is, in general, situations in which the retroverted uterus is associated with a health problem are rare. In most cases, the reverse uterus is just a natural anatomical position.

Main questions about retroverted uterus

There are many doubts and even myths about the retroversion of the uterus. Check the clarification for the main questions.

What are the causes? Bruna points out that it is not a malformation. “The retroverted uterus is an anatomical variant. When we are formed in the embryonic period, some women develop the uterus with this curvature. An estimated 20% of women have a retroverted uterus,” she explains.

How is the diagnosis made? During the gynecological examination, explains Bruna, the doctor performs a vaginal examination and assesses the position of the uterus. “Or during an ultrasound the doctor describes the uterus as being anteverted (abbreviated AVF) or retroverted (RVF),” she adds.

Can a person with a retroverted uterus get pregnant? “Clear. Physiology does not change. The hormones and the tissues are the same”, replies the gynecologist and obstetrician.

How is the pregnancy of those who have a retroverted uterus, is it a risk pregnancy? “The same as those who have an anteverted uterus. Do not change. Especially because, with the growth of the baby, the uterus grows and assumes another position during the development of pregnancy”, emphasizes Bruna.

What is the relationship between the retroverted uterus and the IUD? The doctor who is going to insert the intrauterine device must know the curvature of the uterus, as the insertion technique is slightly different. “It does not change for the woman who will receive the IUD. The retroverted uterus does not contraindicate the use of the intrauterine device”, explains Bruna.

It is essential to reinforce that having a retroverted uterus does not prevent a woman from becoming pregnant and/or having a normal delivery. These are myths surrounding the subject.

Retroverted uterus symptoms

In the vast majority of cases there are no symptoms, remembering that the retroverted uterus is not a disease, just an anatomical feature. In rare cases, symptoms such as:

• Pain during sex;
• Stronger menstrual cramps;
• Pain when urinating or defecating.

It is worth emphasizing that there are usually no symptoms and, therefore, the retroverted uterus does not require any type of intervention.

It is important, however, especially if symptoms are present, to assess whether there is no cause associated with retroversion.

Treatment for retroverted uterus

Bruna reinforces that there is no treatment for a retroverted uterus since the woman is born with the uterus in this position.

However, if retroversion arises from other circumstances, each case must be evaluated with its particularities so that the physician can define the necessary therapeutic measures.

Now you know that the retroverted uterus, by itself, does not represent a health problem. Also clarify your doubts about endometriosis.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.