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Reticulation of the uterus occurs in one in four women. It can be congenital or caused by a disease of the reproductive system. Does such an anatomical defect cause difficulties in getting pregnant and giving birth to a healthy child? How to recognize it and is it worth undertaking treatment? We answer the most bothering questions related to the functioning of an atypically tilted uterus.
Uterine retroflexion and retroflexion
The uterus is a naturally curved organ, shaped like an inverted pear. Hypoflexion, i.e. a slight tilt of the upper (wider) part from the vertical towards the bladder, is normal for most women. In 25 percent cases are diagnosed with a retroversion of the uterus, which means its deviation towards the rectum. It is not a disease, but only a minor deviation from the norm. The uterine system in women are influenced by genes, but can be altered by the disease state. Reticulation of the uterus can be a complication after inflammation of the reproductive organs, uterine myoma or endometriosis. It also often occurs after childbirth or surgery (the risk is increased by adhesions in the smaller pelvis).
How to recognize uterine retroversion?
Reticulation of the uterus is most often diagnosed by accident – during a routine gynecological examination or ultrasound. Usually it does not give any characteristic symptoms. Like many female problems related to the reproductive system, it can result in heavy and painful periods accompanied by diarrhea. Sometimes it also causes pain in the sacral part of the spine and an unpleasant feeling resulting from pressure on the ovaries and the bladder during intercourse (but only in some positions). Reticulation of the uterus is not a medical condition, therefore no treatment is undertaken if diagnosed.
Retracted uterus, pregnancy and childbirth
Retraction of the uterus is a concern especially in women who are planning to have a baby. In most cases, however, these concerns are unfounded, because the unusual arrangement of the most important organ in the reproductive tract does not affect the course of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the uterus takes the same shape as in the case of hyperextension. Any difficulties caused by retrograde uterus should also not occur in childbirth, as the cervix remains in the same position regardless of the direction of the inclination of the body.
Equal to pregnant women with a back flex back pain may be troublesome. They mostly occur in the first three months of pregnancy. Unfortunately, a deviation from the norm in terms of the natural curve of the uterus sometimes also leads to difficulties in conceiving a child. Not all positions are conducive to fertilization. The most advantageous are lateral, posterior and knee-elbow (when the woman is resting on her knees and elbows).
Research shows that uterine overturning is associated with miscarriages. However, this is not a direct cause of failure to conceive. The reasons should be sought rather in diseases that cause retroflexion and disrupt the functioning of the reproductive system.