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The inverted uterus, also called the retroverted uterus, is an anatomical difference in that the organ is formed backwards, towards the back and not turned forward as it normally is. In this case it is also common for the other organs of the reproductive system, such as the ovaries and tubes, to also be turned back.
Although there is a change in anatomy, this situation does not interfere with the woman's fertility or prevent pregnancy. In addition, in most cases there are no signs or symptoms, and the inverted uterus is identified by the gynecologist during routine examinations, such as ultrasound and pap smears, for example.
Although in most cases there are no signs or symptoms, some women may report pain when urinating, evacuating and after intimate contact, being indicated in this situation to perform a surgical procedure so that the uterus is turned forward, thus reducing symptoms .
Possible causes
The inverted uterus in some cases is a genetic pre-disposition, which is not passed from the mother to the daughters, it is just a variation in the position of the organ. However, it is possible that after a pregnancy the ligaments that keep the uterus in the correct position, become looser and this makes the uterus mobile, increasing the chances that this organ will turn back.
Another cause of an inverted uterus is the scarring of the muscle that can arise after cases of severe endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic surgery.
Symptoms of the inverted uterus
Most women with an inverted uterus have no symptoms and, therefore, this condition is usually diagnosed during routine examinations, and treatment is not necessary in these cases. However, in some cases some symptoms may appear, the main ones being:
- Pain in the hips;
- Strong cramps before and during menstruation;
- Pain during and after intimate contact;
- Pain when urinating and evacuating;
- Difficulty using tampons;
- Feeling of pressure in the bladder.
If an inverted uterus is suspected, it is recommended to seek a gynecologist, as it will be necessary to perform imaging tests such as ultrasound, for example, to confirm the diagnosis and initiate the appropriate treatment, which is usually surgery so that the organ is placed in the correct direction. .
Inverted uterus and pregnancy
The uterus in the inverted position does not cause infertility and does not hinder fertilization or the continuation of pregnancy. However, during pregnancy the inverted uterus can cause incontinence, back pain and to urinate or evacuate, but it is not common to cause complications during pregnancy or delivery.
In addition, delivery in the case of an inverted uterus may be normal, and a cesarean section is not necessary for this reason alone. Most of the time, until the 12th week of gestation, the uterus adopts a position closer to normal, facing forward and remaining under the bladder, which facilitates the occurrence of normal delivery.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for inverted uterus is only done when the symptoms are present, and includes remedies for the regulation of the menstrual cycle, if it is unregulated, and in some cases, the gynecologist can indicate the surgery so that the organ is placed and fixed in place right, thus reducing pain and discomfort.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- AUSTRALAS J ULTRASOUND MED. The retroverted uterus: refining the description of the real time dynamic ‘sliding sign’. 2013. Available at:. Accessed on 11 Sep 2020
- U.S. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE. Retroversion of the uterus. Available in: . Accessed on 11 Sep 2020
- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES AU. Retroverted uterus. Available in: . Accessed on 11 Sep 2020