text: From http://www.womens-health.co.uk/retrover.asp\n\nA retroverted uterus is the name given to a uterus that is tilted backwards inside of the pelvis. Normally, women are born with a uterus that is located in a straight up and down position inside of the pelvis, or with a uterus that tips slightly forwards, towards the stomach. However, some women have a uterus that tilts backwards, pointing towards the spine. Commonly referred to as a tipped uterus, this condition affects more than 20% of women worldwide. Generally associated with no health complications, a retroverted uterus can occasionally cause painful symptoms or signal an underlying health disorder.\n\nWhat Causes a Retroverted Uterus?\n\nIn the vast majority of women with retroverted uteruses, causes are completely genetic. Many women are simply born with a uterus that is tipped in this position, and this is entirely normal. However, certain factors can cause a uterus that is in a normal placement to become retroverted. These causes include:\n\nPregnancy: During pregnancy, the uterus becomes enlarged and the ligaments that hold the uterus in place become weakened. As a result, many women find that their uterus becomes retroverted after they have delivered their babies. \nMenopause: During menopause, estrogen levels drop rapidly in women. As with pregnancy, this can cause the ligaments that hold the uterus in place to weaken, allowing it to slip into a retroverted position. \nReproductive Health Problems: Certain reproductive health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis, can cause the uterus to tilt backwards. This is because these illnesses can lead to scar tissue formation on the inside of the abdomen, forcing the uterus out of position.\n\nWhat are the Symptoms of a Retroverted Uterus?\n\nGenerally, the majority of women suffering from a retroverted uterus experience no symptoms. However, if symptoms do present, the two most commonly-occurring symptoms include:\n\n\npain during sexual intercourse, particularly vaginal intercourse (dyspareunia) \npain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)\n\nThis pain and discomfort is the result of pressure that the retroverted uterus places on the rectum and the ligaments around the tailbone.\n\nRare symptoms associated with a retroverted uterus include:\n\nlower back pain \nincreased number of urinary tract infections \nincontinence \npain while using tampons \nfertility difficulties\n\nDiagnosing a Retroverted Uterus\n\nIf you are experiencing symptoms of a retroverted uterus, you may want to make an appointment with your health care provider for an examination. By performing a few simple tests, your health care provider can easily diagnose the condition. Diagnosis usually consists of:\n\na pelvic exam \nan abdominal ultrasound\n\nOccasionally, it is difficult to differentiate a retroverted uterus from a pelvic tumor. In this case, your health care provider may have to perform a rectovaginal exam.\n\nAre There Any Health Complications Associated with a Retroverted Uterus?\n\nFew women with retroverted uteruses experience health complications as a result of their condition. However, sometimes a retroverted uterus can be a warning sign of another underlying reproductive issue, including pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis. Be sure to contact your health care provider if you are experiencing:\n\nsevere abdominal or pelvic pain \nirregular menstrual periods \nirregular ovulation or infertility\n\nIf left untreated, these conditions can have dangerous effects on your reproductive organs and overall health.\n\nWill A Retroverted Uterus Affect Fertility?\n\nMany women who have a retroverted uterus worry that it will affect their future fertility. However, this condition does not appear to affect conception in any way, and most women with retroverted uteruses will go on to experience healthy pregnancies. If you are experiencing difficulties getting pregnant, it could be a sign of an underlying reproductive p