A tilted uterus (or retroverted uterus), is a uterus that tips backward into the pelvic cavity, pointing towards the lower back, rather than forward toward the bladder.

It’s a normal variation in reproductive anatomy, and not really a serious medical condition. A tilted uterus is fairly common: About 1 in 5 women have a tilted uterus (though some never even realize it).

Having a tilted uterus may sound scary.  It’s often associated with conditions that can impact fertility, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and fibroids.

The position of your uterus does not affect your ability to get pregnant or carry a child.

It also doesn’t affect labor or delivery. You should be able to have a healthy pregnancy despite having a tilted uterus.

However, a tilted uterus can put more pressure on the bladder during the first trimester. You could expect either increased incontinence or difficulty urinating. Some may also experience back pain.

Toward the end of the first trimester, between the 10th and 12th week, the uterus should already expand and straighten. It will lift out of the pelvis and no longer tip backward.

But in rare cases, adhesions keep the uterus anchored into the pelvis and prevents the shift in position. This is called an incarcerated uterus, and some symptoms you should watch out for are:

• a consistent inability to urinate
• pain in your stomach or near your rectum
• constipation
• Incontinence

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. Discovering and treating an incarcerated uterus in its early stages can reduce miscarriage risk.

A tilted uterus may cause discomfort during sex

A tilted uterus doesn’t usually pose any problems for sex life. However, certain positions can be more uncomfortable and painful compared to others. Try switching up your positions until you find one that’s comfortable for you and your partner.

If every sex position is uncomfortable, with or without bleeding, it’s best to discuss this with your doctor.

Takeaway

A tilted uterus may cause discomfort during sex, but it shouldn’t be a cause of panic as it’s rarely associated with serious health problems. While it rarely affects fertility and pregnancy, it may still be linked to other conditions that are known to affect  one’s ability to conceive.

Sources:

Whelan, C. (April 8, 2019). What You Should Know About Retroverted Uterus. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/tilted-uterus 

Galan, N. (July 7, 2021). What Causes A Tilted Uterus? Healthline. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320965 

Tipped (tilted) uterus. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/multimedia/tipped-uterus/img-20008147#:~:text=Print,considered%20a%20normal%20anatomical%20variation