Tilted uterus: Can it lead to infertility?

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  • With Mayo Clinic internist

    Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.

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Question

Tilted uterus: Can it lead to infertility?

Does having a tilted uterus make it more difficult to conceive?

Answer

from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Illustration showing a tilted uterus
Tipped uterus

A tilted uterus, also called a tipped uterus or retroverted uterus, is a normal anatomical variation and shouldn't interfere with your ability to conceive.

In most women, the uterus tips forward at the cervix. In nearly 20 percent of women, however, the uterus leans backward, or tilts, at the cervix. In the past, it was thought that a tilted uterus may contribute to infertility. But experts now know that the position of the uterus doesn't affect the ability of sperm to reach an egg.

Rarely, a sharply tilted uterus may be due to a disease such as endometriosis. In this case, endometriosis — not the position of the uterus — may cause infertility.

References
  1. Lentz GM. Differential diagnosis of major gynecologic problems by age group: Vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic mass. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/115319498-7/787845435/1524/60.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50011-X--cesec12_247. Accessed Jan. 2, 2009.
  2. Haylen BT, et al. A standardized ultrasonic diagnosis and an accurate prevalence for the retroverted uterus in general gynaecology patients. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2007;47:326.
  3. Haylen BT. The retroverted uterus: Ignored to date but core to prolapse. International Urogynecology Journal. 2006;17:555.

AN00461

Feb. 13, 2009

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