Patient's question:
Hello!During my gynecological examination, the doctor said that my uterus is retroverted to a significant degree and that my cervix is deep. I don’t quite understand this statement. Could the doctor explain it?
The gynecologist mentioned that they will perform a uterus retroversion stretch later to help change its position. Is this necessary? If so, how is it done, and does it hurt?
Doctor, I may not be asking my questions very clearly because there are many things I don’t understand. I hope you can answer them as much as possible. Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Below is some information for your reference: In fact, retroversion of the uterus itself is not a disease; it is simply a change in the position of the uterus. Some women do indeed have retroverted uteri due to pelvic organ abnormalities, but most do not. It is absolutely essential not to casually accept corrective surgery.The uterus is a truly remarkable organ. To provide a suitable environment for fetal growth, it must gradually expand. Therefore, the position of the uterus is flexible, suspended within the pelvic cavity between the bladder and rectum, held in place by ligaments in all directions. The determination of whether the uterus is anteverted or retroverted primarily depends on the strength of the round ligaments connecting the uterine horns to the inguinal canals. Some girls may naturally have retroverted uteri due to relatively loose round ligaments. More commonly, during pregnancy, the round ligaments are stretched as the uterus expands and fail to return to their original position after childbirth, causing the uterus to shift from anteversion to retroversion. One reason for this is insufficient postpartum exercise.
Physiological retroversion of the uterus typically does not cause any clinical discomfort. If the uterus compresses the anterior spinal nerve plexus, it may cause lower back pain after lying down for a while, which can be alleviated with gentle stretching exercises.
So, is retroversion of the uterus a physiological or pathological change? Clinically, it can be distinguished through internal examination, with the key difference being the "mobility" of the uterus. In the former case, although retroverted, the uterus retains its mobility, so it does not cause pain or affect fertility. Conversely, if the uterus has lost its mobility, it is often due to adhesion to the rectum or nearby tissues, making it fixed in place.
Diseases that may cause adhesion and retroversion of the uterus include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or abscesses, and tumors. These are the true culprits behind physical discomfort or infertility. Accurate diagnosis requires laparoscopic surgery. If necessary, corrective surgery can also be performed simultaneously, eliminating the need for traditional exploratory laparotomy.
Exercises to correct retroversion of the uterus:
1. Bend elbows and assume a prone position with knee push-ups, then pause.
2. In a knee plank position, lift the hips.
3. In a knee plank position, alternate extending the legs backward.
4. In a knee plank position, lift the hips and alternate jumping with both legs, at a slow pace.
5. Bend elbows and assume a plank position, then lift one leg straight up, pause, and repeat with the other leg.