A retroverted uterus occurs in about 20 to 30 percent of women, says J. Glenn Bradley, M.D. A retroverted or tipped uterus may not lead to any symptoms in some women, but it can be problematic in others, causing painful intercourse or periods. Knee-to-chest exercise is a noninvasive way to help temporarily reposition the uterus and relieve some discomfort.
Retroverted Uterus
The uterus is a hollow female organ that the fetus grows in during pregnancy. It is normally in a straight, vertical position in the pelvis. However, the uterus can lie in different positions and vary from one woman to the next. In a retroverted, or tilted, uterus, it tilts toward the back of the pelvis instead of vertically or slightly forward. This will typically cause symptoms such as pain during sexual intercourse and menstruations, difficulty using tampons, urinary tract infections and fertility problems.
Causes
There are a variety of potential causes for a tilted uterus. Pregnancy and childbirth may cause the uterus to tip forward or backward in the pelvis. The ligaments holding the uterus somtimes can become overly stretched or lose their tension during pregnancy, which may cause the uterus to tip. However, the uterus will usually return to its normal position after childbirth. Additionally, scarring from fibroids on the uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease or pelvic infections may also contribute to a retroverted uterus.
Exercise
The knee-to-chest exercise may help temporarily reposition the uterus back to its normal forward position in the pelvis and relieve discomfort. Kneel on the floor with your knees apart. Place your arms and head on a pillow on the floor, while keeping your back straight and abs slightly tightened. Hold the position for several minutes, then return to the starting position and repeat as needed. The exercise is not effective if the tilted uterus is caused by endometriosis, fibroid tumors or pelvic infections, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Treatment Options
Consult your doctor if you continue to have painful intercourse or periods that are not relieved with the knee-to-chest exercise. Other treatment options for a retroverted uterus might involve pessaries or surgery. A pessary is a plastic device worn inside the vagina that helps keep the uterus in the proper position. Pessaries are not a permanent solution to a tilted uterus and may cause infections. Surgery for a retroverted uterus may include laparoscopic surgery that involves repositioning the uterus by cutting and shortening the ligaments that support it, or having a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus.
Member Comments