Retroflexion of the uterus is an atypical retroflexion of the uterus, occurring in about 20% of women. This arrangement of the organ is a pathology, but does not always require treatment, does not have characteristic clinical manifestations, but pain, vaginal discharge, dysfunction of adjacent organs and menstrual function may be associated. In some cases, retroflexion of the uterus, the photo of which is on the pages of medical reference books, can lead to the development of infertility and miscarriage.
Uterus: normal position
Normally, the uterus is located in the center of the small pelvis, in the cavity between the bladder and the large intestine. At the same time, its bottom is turned upward and forward, and the neck is turned downward and forward. 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, abdominals and pelvic floor ensure her normal position.
Under the influence of various reasons, the uterus can deviate backwards, changing the proportions between the pelvic organs. The consequence of this locationbecomes a stretched ligamentous apparatus that holds it, which provokes displacement and prolapse of the internal genital organs.
Types of uterine bending
There are several types of retroflection:
- Mobile, resulting from a decrease in the tone of the myometrium or stretching of muscles or ligaments. The uterus tilts backwards without losing mobility.
- Fixed retroflexion is a completely or partially immobile organ relative to neighboring ones.
Causes of bending
Mobile retroflexion of the uterus may occur due to:
- dramatic weight loss;
- prolonged bed rest;
- irrational diet;
- weakness of the myometrium and weakening of the ligaments of the uterus;
- birth injury, postpartum infection;
- hard work;
- frequent abortions.
Fixed retroflection can be caused by:
- adnexitis - inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes;
- palvioperitonitis - inflammation in any part of the pelvic peritoneum;
- endometritis is an inflammatory process occurring in the inner lining of the uterus;
- endometriosis is a pathological growth of the glandular tissue of the uterus beyond its limits.
Any kind of retroflection can result from:
- prolonged lactation;
- inflammation of the rectum;
- frequent constipation;
- congenital features of the uterus;
- difficult childbirth;
- 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 incidentally discovered during a gynecological examination. The fixed bend is accompanied by the patient's complaints about:
- irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding;
- pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen and in the sacrum;
- pain during intercourse;
- increased urge to urinate;
- constipation if intestinal loops are squeezed.
Retroflexion of the uterus during pregnancy can lead to threatened miscarriage or end in spontaneous miscarriage. However, early detection of the problem and adequate therapy will help overcome difficulties in conceiving or bearing and prevent problems in the future.
Pregnancy and retroflexion
Retroflection of the uterus and pregnancy are far from mutually exclusive concepts. Difficulties, of course, may 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 found, take courses of physiotherapy, enzyme therapy, mud therapy, gynecologicalmassage.
An important role in the bending of the cervix in case of a desire to become pregnant is played by the posture during intercourse. The classic position, when a man is on top, is not suitable for conception with such a pathology. Best poses would 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 positions that the uterus takes the closest to the natural position, and the spermatozoa get more free access to the eggs. After the end of sexual intercourse, it is recommended not to immediately jump up, but lie down for half an hour on your stomach. It is also recommended that you lie on your back and raise your legs up, supporting yourself by your sides. Fix in this position for 5-10 minutes.
Mobile retroflexion will definitely not become an obstacle to conception. Such a diagnosis can be completely removed during pregnancy, because the growing and growing fetus, as well as amniotic fluid, with their pressure, contribute to the straightening of the uterus. Pregnancy often develops normally, but medical supervision will be necessary until the baby is born.
How to diagnose cervical bending
Retroflection 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 with the other he feels the uterus through the abdominal wall. This method of examination will help to establish the type of pathology. You can also useultrasound or computed tomography if inflammation or tumors are suspected.
Treatment measures
Retroflexion of the uterus, the treatment of which is prescribed and chosen exclusively by a gynecologist, is a curable pathology. Therapy is often aimed at eliminating the causes that led to the bend.
Treatment of mobile retroflexion consists in manual reduction of the organ. After that, a course of physiotherapy exercises, gynecological massage or the use of special pessaries is prescribed. Do not lift or carry heavy objects after therapy.
To treat conditions that cause fixed retroflexion, such as adhesions, inflammation or endometriosis, use:
- electrophoresis or ultraphonophoresis;
- acupuncture;
- mud therapy;
- fibrinolytic or anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vitamin-mineral complex;
- drugs that normalize the overall hormonal background.
If adhesions are not amenable to medical or physiotherapeutic treatment, then surgery can be performed, which involves the excision of adhesions. After that, the woman is also assigned to wear pessaries and is not allowed to deal with weights.
Retroflexion of the uterus is a disease that develops for various reasons and is often asymptomatic. It is not difficult to diagnose pathology, but it should be treated comprehensively, correcting the position of the organ andeliminating the causes that originally led to the bend.
