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An anteverted uterus is perfectly normal. It means
the uterus, or womb, is tilted towards the front of the abdomen. It usually has
no impact on the body or a person’s ability to get pregnant.
An anteverted uterus is a natural variation, much
like having a certain eye colour. A person’s uterus can also be tilted
backward. This is less common and is called a retroverted uterus.
In this piece, learn more about an anteverted uterus,
how uterine tilt is tested, and what it means for fertility.
What is the uterus?
The uterus is the pear-shaped organ in a woman’s
lower abdomen in which fetuses grow.
It is also called the womb.The uterus is connected
to the ovaries, which produce eggs.
When a woman ovulates, an egg travels down toward
the uterus via the fallopian tubes.
The uterus is attached to the walls of the pelvis
by flexible ligaments that allow it to tilt forward and backward.
Anteverted uterus frequency
An anteverted uterus is common, occurring in
around 75 per cent of women. It means that the uterus is tipped forward toward
the bladder. How far forward the uterus tips varies between individuals.
It does not affect the structure of the uterus and
is not an abnormality or health condition. Having an anteverted uterus does not
interfere with reproduction or have an impact on a woman’s health.
The uterus is tipped backward the remaining 25 per
cent of the time. This is called a tipped, tilted, or retroverted uterus and
can sometimes cause problems during pregnancy.
Is there a known cause?
An anteverted uterus is a natural genetic
variation, much like eye or hair colour.
Does an anteverted uterus affect fertility?
Infertility affects about 1 in every 6 couples in
the United States. The cause of infertility can be a problem with the male or
female reproductive system, or both.
Problems with the female reproductive system
account for only approximately 50 per cent of infertility cases.
An anteverted uterus is normal and not usually the
cause of fertility issues. Problems with ovulation, the cervix, or the
fallopian tubes are the most common causes of female infertility.
Other things that can affect a woman’s fertility
include; a previous infection, polyps, endometriosis, fibroids, scar tissue or
adhesions, chronic illness, a previous ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and a uterine
birth abnormality.
A retroverted womb can, however, sometimes cause
issues during pregnancy. Symptoms may include; lower abdominal and pelvic pain;
lower back pain as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation.
Pregnancy starts with a retroverted uterus around
15 per cent of the time. The uterus tends to move into an upward position on
its own by the 14th week of pregnancy, but sometimes it stays in the same place
and can get “wedged” in the pelvic cavity as it grows.
Impact on sex and sexual health
Having an anteverted uterus is the most common
variation in uterine position. It does not affect sex life or sexual health.
How do I know if my uterus is anteverted?
ultrasound scan being performed on pregnant woman
baby image on laptop
An ultrasound may determine the tilt of the
uterus.
Unless a doctor suspects it is causing a problem,
it is common for most women not to know if their uterus is anteverted or
retroverted.
A pelvic exam or ultrasound can be carried out to
determine the tilt of the uterus. An initial pelvic exam may include all or
some of the following:
Vulval examination: This test will check the
genitals for evidence of external bleeding or signs of infection, such as
vaginal discharge.
Speculum examination: A medical instrument is
inserted to allow a doctor to examine the vagina and the cervix to be examined.
Bimanual palpation: A doctor or specialized nurse
will use their fingers to examine the inside of the vagina and feel if the womb
or ovaries are tender or enlarged.
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