A tilted uterus is one that curves backwards at the cervix rather than the normal forward position. Other names used to refer to a tilted uterus include:
- Uterine retro displacement
- Backward uterus
- Tipped uterus
- Uterine retroversion
- Retroverted uterus
- Retroflexed uterus
Symptoms of a tilted uterus
There are some females who will not experience any kind of symptom when suffering this condition. This therefore means that it is quite possible for one to have the condition and not know about it. If the patient does experience symptoms, some of them will include:
- Pain in the lower back and vagina in the course of sexual intercourse
- Pain when menstruating
- Difficulties in inserting tampons
- Increased feelings of pressure and urinary frequency in the bladder area
- Lower abdomen protrusion
- Mild incontinence
- Urinary tract infections
Causes of a tilted uterus
A tilted cervix or uterus is a typical pelvic anatomy variation that most women are either born with or get when they mature. Genetics can play a big role in causing this disorder. In some other situations, this condition can have some underlying causes that are often linked to adhesions and pelvic scarring. They include:
- Endometriosis: Adhesions or endometrial scar tissues can make the uterus stick toward the rear, almost like bonding it in place.
- Fibroids: The uterine fibroids can lead to the uterus becoming tilt, stuck or misshapen backwards.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): If left untreated, PID can lead to scarring, which ultimately will have identical effects as endometriosis.
- Those people with a history of pelvic surgical procedures are prone to suffering from a tilted cervix
- A past of prior pregnancy: In some cases, those ligaments that hold the uterus rightly in place become extremely stretched in pregnancy and can remain that way. This will in in turn cause the uterus to tip in a backward position.
Diagnosing a tilted uterus
The medical practitioner can easily diagnose the tilted uterus in the course of a regular pelvic exam. In the event that you have some symptoms that are of concern to you, make sure that you discuss with the doctor. There are many women who are diagnosed with a tilted uterus while pregnant. This is owed to the fact that doctors are also able to diagnose it from the ultrasound procedures.
Treatment procedures
In case you are asymptomatic, you may not need any form of treatment. In case you have some symptoms that you are concerned about, have a talk with your doctor about treatment alternatives with the doctor. In most cases, there is no requirement for treatment.
There are moments when the doctor will manually work the uterus and put it in a straight position. If this is the case, certain kinds of exercises meant to strengthen the tendons and ligaments that grasp the uterus in a straight position will be important; like kegels. Some other forms of exercises may include:
- Pelvic contractions: This kind of exercises help in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
- Knee chest: Strengthens the pelvic muscles as well.
The above two exercises will work when the uterus is stuck due to adhesions or scarring.
Pessaries are constructed using plastic or silicone, and are inserted in the vagina to strut the uterus in the right position. In some instances, surgery can be needed in repositioning the uterus, and to eliminate or reduce pain. There are varied kinds of procedures:
- Uplift procedure: It is a laparoscopic process that consumes about 10 minutes
- Uterine suspension procedure: this kind of surgery can be done abdominally, vaginally or laparoscopically.
Tilted uterus and pregnancy
There are those women who will find intercourse very painful and as a consequence, they may reduce the act. Because of reduced activity, the odds of becoming pregnant are quit bleak. At times, due to the adhesions and scars emanating from endometriosis and PID, there is a chance of infertility because the scar tissues will hinder easy sperm passage through the fallopian tube.
A few years ago, tipped uterus and cervix was believed to be the leading cause of infertility. This is due to the cervix and uterus [position that hinders the travelling of sperm to the egg. Nonetheless, research has it that out of the variant position of the cervix and uterus, it is not difficult for the sperm to fertilize the ovum. Having a tipped uterus therefore may not cause infertility, even though in some rare cases there may be pregnancy problems due to a tilted cervix.
Conclusion
A tilted uterus or cervix is not a very serious disorder that a person should be very much worried about, unless it is accompanied by painful symptoms and other issues. A clear understanding of the symptoms and causes of a tilted uterus can aid in seeking for timely medical help. In most occasions, the tilted cervix cannot hinder pregnancy, but in case of other associated conditions and underlying causes, particular medical care will be needed.