Uterine retroflexion is an atypical posterior uterine bend that occurs in approximately 20% of women. This arrangement of the organ is a pathology, but it does not always require treatment, does not have characteristic clinical manifestations, but pain, vaginal discharge, dysfunction of adjacent organs and menstrual function can be concomitant. In some cases, retroflexion of the uterus, a photo of which is on the pages of medical directories, can lead to the development of infertility and miscarriage.
Uterus: normal location
Normally, the uterus is located in the center of the pelvis, in the cavity between the bladder and colon. At the same time, its bottom is facing up and anteriorly, and the neck is facing downward and anteriorly. The uterus in this position is very mobile, its position can freely change depending on the filling of the surrounding organs. The tone, ligaments and muscles, the abdominal press and the pelvic floor ensure its normal position.
Under the influence of various reasons, the uterus can deviate posteriorly, changing the proportions between the pelvic organs. The consequence of this arrangement is the stretched ligamentous apparatus that holds it, which provokes the displacement and prolapse of the internal genital organs.
Types of bending the uterus
There are several types of retroflexion:
- Mobile, arising from a decrease in the tone of the myometrium or stretching of muscles or ligaments. The uterus leans posteriorly without losing mobility.
- Fixed retroflexion is a fully or partially immobile organ relative to neighboring ones.
The causes of the bend
Mobile retroflexion of the uterus may occur due to:
- sudden weight loss;
- long bed rest;
- an irrational diet;
- weakness of the myometrium and weakening of the ligaments of the uterus;
- birth trauma, postpartum infection;
- hard work;
- frequent abortions.
Fixed retroflexion can result in:
- adnexitis - inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes;
- palvioperitonitis - inflammation in any part of the peritoneum of the pelvis;
- endometritis - an inflammatory process that occurs in the internal mucous membrane of the uterus;
- endometriosis - pathological proliferation of glandular tissue of the uterus beyond its borders.
Any kind of retroflexion may occur due to:
- prolonged lactation;
- inflammation of the rectum;
- frequent constipation;
- congenital features of the uterus;
- severe labor;
- tumors of the pelvic organs;
- accumulation of blood in the space between the bladder and the vagina.
Symptoms of the disease
Mobile retroflexion of the uterus is often asymptomatic and accidentally detected during a gynecological examination. A fixed bend is accompanied by patient complaints about:
- irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding;
- pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen and in the sacrum;
- pain during intercourse;
- frequent urination;
- constipation if bowel loops are squeezed.
Uterine retroflexion during pregnancy can lead to the threat of interruption or result in spontaneous miscarriage. However, timely detection of the problem and adequate therapy will help to overcome difficulties in conception or bearing and prevent problems in the future.
Pregnancy and retroflexion
Uterus retroflexion and pregnancy are far from mutually exclusive concepts. Difficulties, of course, can arise, but you can get pregnant, moreover, in some cases it is this condition that allows the uterus to take the correct position. It should also be noted that it is not the bend itself that provokes the problem, although it is more difficult for spermatozoa to get to the place where the egg is fertilized, but the disease that led to retroflexion. So, after contacting a doctor, you should get rid of inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs or, if adhesions are detected, take physiotherapy, enzyme therapy, mud therapy, gynecological massage courses.
An important role in bending the cervix in case of a desire to become pregnant is played by a pose during intercourse. The classic pose, when a man is on top, is not suitable for conception with such a pathology. The best poses will be:
- a man on top of a woman who lies on her stomach with a pillow under her hips;
- knee-elbow pose.
It is in these poses that the uterus takes the position closest to the natural position, and spermatozoa gain more free access to the eggs. After sexual intercourse, it is recommended that you do not immediately jump up, but lie down on your stomach for half an hour. It is also recommended lying on your back to raise your legs up, supporting yourself by the sides. Fix in this position should be for 5-10 minutes.
Mobile retroflection definitely will not be an obstacle to conception. Such a diagnosis can be completely removed during pregnancy, because a growing and heavier fetus, as well as amniotic fluid, help to straighten the uterus with its pressure. Pregnancy often develops normally, but medical supervision will be necessary right up to the birth of the baby.
How to diagnose cervical bend
Retroflexion is diagnosed quite simply - when viewed on a
gynecological chair through a bimanual examination, in which the fingers of one hand of the gynecologist are in the vagina, and the second he palpates the uterus through the abdominal wall. This method of examination will help to establish the type of pathology. You can also use ultrasound or computed tomography, if there is a suspicion of the presence of inflammatory processes or tumors.
Therapeutic measures
Uterine retroflexion, the treatment of which is prescribed and chosen exclusively by a gynecologist, is a treatable pathology. Therapy is often aimed at eliminating the causes that led to the bend.
The treatment of mobile retroflexion consists in manually setting the organ. After this, a course of physiotherapy exercises, gynecological massage or the use of special pessaries is prescribed. It is forbidden to lift or carry weights after therapy.
For the treatment of diseases leading to fixed retroflexion, such as adhesions, inflammatory processes or endometriosis, the following are used:
- electrophoresis or ultraphonophoresis;
- acupuncture;
- mud therapy;
- fibrinolytic or anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vitamin and mineral complex;
- drugs that normalize the general hormonal background.
If adhesive processes are not amenable to medical or physiotherapeutic treatment, then surgical intervention may be performed, which implies excision of adhesions. After that, the woman is also assigned to wear pessaries and is not allowed to deal with heavy loads.
Uterine retroflexion is a disease that develops for various reasons and is often asymptomatic. It is not difficult to diagnose the pathology, and treatment should be comprehensive, correcting the position of the organ and eliminating the causes that initially led to the bend.