Reviewed by Joseph Maloney, M.D.Many women are born with their uterus tilted either forward – anteverted – or backward – retroverted. A retroverted uterus is more common, affecting 20 percent of women and accounting for about two-thirds of all titled uterus cases. Sometimes natural or medical conditions can shift the position the uterus from normal to tilted.
Pregnancy, endometriosis, adhesions (scar tissue) from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), aging, and surgery can shift your uterus’ position, but sexual intercourse cannot. A tilted uterus is not thought to affect fertility, but it can cause discomfort during sex. Often, there are no symptoms associated with a tilted uterus and the only way to diagnose it is through a doctor’s pelvic exam. Sometimes, however, a woman experiences pain during intercourse, which prompts a diagnosis. Shifting positions or being gentle during intercourse can help. If pain persists, you should call your gynecologist. Click here for more information on painful intercourse due to a tilted uterus. Call your doctor if you have pain during intercourse or are concerned about a tilted uterus.
There are no complications with a tilted uterus. Certain causes of a tilted uterus – such as endometriosis – may cause complications, however. These causes are then treated.
Visit the American Pregnancy Association for more information.
Diagnosis usually requires a pelvic exam performed by a gynecologist. If needed, an ultrasound can show the exact position of the uterus. Treatment is not necessary for a tilted uterus. However, you can opt for uterus-repositioning surgery. In some cases women will need treatment for the underlying causes of a tilted uterus, such as endometriosis or adhesions.
