A tipped uterus, also known as a tilted uterus or womb, occurs when a woman’s uterus is tipped back towards the pelvis. The condition may also be referred to as a retroflexed, backward, or retroverted uterus or a uterine retroversion. Normally, the uterus, which is the organ in which a baby grows and develops, is vertically positioned in the pelvis.

A tipped uterus may occur if the uterus never moves into the correct position during childhood or adolescence. A tipped uterus may also result from endometriosis or uterine fibroids, both of which cause scarring that can contribute to the positioning of the uterus. In other cases, giving birth can affect the position of the uterus. During pregnancy, sometimes the ligaments that support the uterus in the proper position can be permanently stretched, causing a tipped uterus. Typically, the ligaments regain their elasticity, and the uterus moves back into a more vertical or forward position after pregnancy.

Many women will never know that they have a tipped uterus unless it causes a problem. Symptoms include pain with menstruation or intercourse, mild incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTI), problems using tampons, and fertility issues. Most tipped uteruses are discovered during a regular pelvic exam by a gynecologist.

Treatment for a tipped uterus may include surgical correction. There are two main techniques for correction, a uterine suspension and the UPLIFT procedure. An exercise called the “knee-chest” may help with a tipped uterus; however, it is only a temporary fix and will not work if the problem is related to endometriosis or fibroids. Another option is the use of a pessary, a silicone object that is inserted into the vagina to put the tipped uterus in place.

A tipped uterus can cause problems with fertility and pregnancy. It may contribute to difficulty with conception. During pregnancy, a tipped uterus should move forward into the correct position by the end of the first trimester. However, in rare cases, a tipped uterus in pregnancy can cause miscarriage. The majority of pregnancies that involve a tipped uterus typically reach full term with no related complications.