Trying to Conceive with a Tilted Uterus
by Lori Ramsey

A tilted uterus is a term used to describe a uterus that is tilted backwards from the cervix, toward tailbone. Other terms for tilted uterus are “tipped” uterus, “back-lying” uterus, “backward” uterus, “retroverted” uterus. Physicians will use the term “retroverted” uterus. It was once thought to cause minor infertility, but recently there are no hard conclusions that a tilted uterus can keep conception from occurring. Only when all infertility tests are ran and come back negative that a retroverted uterus may be considered the cause. There are, however, indications that a retroverted uterus may have a higher incidence of endometriosis and PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). If infertility is indicated, and endometriosis is the cause, it could be related to the tilted uterus.

What causes a uterus to be tilted? Fibroid tumors and childbirth, which causes the muscles and ligaments that hold the uterus to be lax allowing the uterus to tilt backward. Again, there are no definite answers to this question because many women are simply born with retroverted uteruses, raising the question “Is it hereditary?” While there are no scientific indications, I personally believe this to be so. About 2/3 of all women have a tilted uterus and many go on to have a very normal sexual and childbearing life.

One of the major concerns with tilted uteruses is that sexual intercourse can be painful. This is due to the uterine muscles stretching backward and resting on the tailbone. If this is the case, it’s possible to change positions to one that is less painful. Also painful menstruation with cramps can happen. This can be relieved by heat and/or taking an analgesic (aspirin or acetaminophen or ibuprophen).

Normally there is nothing you need to do to correct a tilted uterus. However if painful intercourse is a major problem a procedure called UPLIFT (Uterine Positioning by Ligament Investment Fixation and Truncation) can be done. This procedure is performed through laparoscopy (a very small incision made in the abdomen) where the ligaments that are holding the uterus are shortened, thus helping the uterus to stand up rather than tilt.

I have a tilted uterus. My mother and her sisters have a tilted uterus. My cousin has a tilted uterus. All of us have given birth to more than one baby. I have conceived a total of 6 times (2 were miscarriages). I carried my babies 35, 36, 37 and 40+ weeks. The tilted uterus didn’t prevent conception from occurring, nor did it give me any problems with my pregnancies. The two miscarriages were due to low progesterone as were the preterm births. If you have a tilted uterus then your chances of conception are good unless you have an unrelated infertility issue such as low progesterone or PCOS, etc.

Lori Ramsey of Stages in Pregnancy

©2005 by Lori Ramsey

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