Retroversion of the uterus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Retroversion of the uterus occurs when a woman's uterus (womb) tilts backward rather than forward. It is commonly called a "tipped uterus."

T Causes
P Retroversion of the uterus is common. One in 5 women has this condition.The problem may also occur due to weakening of the pelvic ligaments at the time of menopause. An enlarged uterus can also be caused by pregnancy or a tumor.
P Scar tissue in the pelvis (pelvic adhesions) can also hold the uterus in a retroverted position. Scarring may come from:
- Endometriosis
- Infection in uterus or tubes
- Pelvic surgery

T Symptoms
P Retroversion of the uterus almost never causes any symptoms.
P Rarely, it may cause pain or discomfort.

T Exams and Tests
P A pelvic exam will show the position of the uterus. However, a tipped uterus can sometimes be mistaken for a pelvic mass or a growing fibroid. A rectovaginal exam may be used to distinguish between a mass and a retroverted uterus.
P An ultrasound test can be used to see the exact position of the uterus.

T Treatment
P Treatment is not needed most of the time. Underlying disorders, such as endometriosis or adhesions, should be treated as needed.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P In most cases, the condition does not cause problems.

T Possible Complications
P Atypical positioning of the uterus may be caused by endometriosis, salpingitis, or pressure from a growing tumor.

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your health care provider if you have ongoing pelvic pain or discomfort.

T Prevention
P There is no way to prevent the problem. Early treatment of uterine infections or endometriosis may reduce the chances of a change in the position of the uterus.

T Alternative Names
P Uterus retroversion; Malposition of the uterus; Tipped uterus; Tilted uterus

T Images
- Female reproductive anatomy
- Uterus

T References
P Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Female genitalia. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Siedel's Guide to Physical Examination. 8th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby; 2015:chap 18.
P Lobo RA. Endometriosis: etiology, pathology, diagnosis, management. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2012:chap 19.

T Review Date 5/16/2016
P Updated by: Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

