How Does a Tilted Uterus Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 16 May 2025, 1:01 pm

A tilted uterus is a common variation and usually not a cause for concern. While the uterus typically tilts forward, in some cases it tilts backwards toward the lower back. This alone doesn’t usually affect fertility. However, treating any underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids is important, as they can impact your ability to conceive.

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When trying to conceive, even small aspects of reproductive health may feel important.. Your uterus is a vital organ in your reproductive system. The embryo implants in your uterus and receives all the vital nutrients from it to develop throughout your pregnancy.
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An anteverted uterus positions your uterus toward your stomach. But a tilted or retroverted uterus is towards your spine, placed between your bladder and rectum. It is more common than you think and does not cause any issues with conception.
With a tilted uterus, you may wonder if it could affect your chances of getting pregnant.

What Is A Tilted Uterus?

A retroverted or tilted uterus is positioned towards your back rather than your abdomen As a result, your cervix may point slightly downward or toward your lower back (sacrum), which is typical with a retroverted uterus.You may be born with a tilted uterus, but it is not a concerning health issue. Also, there are no visible symptoms. You may not find out about it until you get an ultrasound scan or pelvic exam.In very rare scenarios, you may face symptoms that require medical assistance.

Can A Tilted Uterus Affect Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant?

A tilted uterus is quite common and has no reason to affect your chances of getting pregnant. For conception, your uterine health and your partner’s sperm health both play important roles. If these are normal, you can conceive no matter your uterus position. With a tilted uterus, conception may become difficult if there are other underlying uterine conditions.
  • Endometriosis: In this condition, the tissue growth responsible for thickening of your uterine lining occurs outside your uterus.
During your menstrual cycle, this lining sheds, but it has no outlet to leave your body. Thus, it gets trapped inside your pelvis, causing scar tissue formation. This can affect your chances of getting pregnant.Another condition called Adenomyosis causes the tissue to grow inside the uterine walls. This also significantly reduces your chances of getting pregnant.
  • Fibroids: A non-cancerous tissue growth in the uterus, known as fibroids, causes heavy menstrual bleeding. The persistent pressure on your pelvic area due to tissue growth results in pain. This condition can affect your fertility.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In this condition, your reproductive organs are at risk for infection. This is caused by sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
While some conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or fibroids may contribute to a tilted or retroverted uterus, many people are simply born with this uterine position and experience no related health concerns. Also, note that such conditions can be present in a normally positioned uterus. So, the uterine position alone cannot affect your chances of conceiving.

What Causes A Tilted Uterus?

The following can cause a tilted uterus:
  • Weak pelvic muscles after menopause or childbirth, as the ligaments supporting your uterus become weak. This can tilt your uterus backwards.
  • When your uterus becomes enlarged during pregnancy, or due to fibroids or tumorous growth, it can result in a tilted uterus.
  • The formation of scar tissue or adhesions due to previous pelvic or abdominal surgery or medical conditions can also tilt your uterus towards the back.
  • You may have a tilted uterus at birth and not be aware of it.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Tilted Uterus?

A tilted uterus is a common uterine position, so you may not experience any symptoms or even realise you have one. However, some may face the following symptoms:
  • Pain during your menstrual cycle.
  • Discomfort or pain during intercourse.
  • Trouble using tampons during menstruation.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) or urinary incontinence.
  • Swelling in the lower abdomen.

How To Diagnose A Tilted Uterus?

As there are no prominent symptoms, your doctor may diagnose it during an ultrasound scan. You may also find out about it during your routine pelvic exam.

Treatment of a Tilted Uterus

You do not need any treatment for your tilted uterus if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. However, when certain conditions cause a tilted uterus, your doctor may suggest the following treatments based on your condition.
  1. Exercises: Your doctor may suggest some exercises to help your uterus tilt forward into its normal position. These exercises help strengthen your ligaments, which will hold your uterus in place.
The Kegel, knees-to-chest exercise and pelvic contractions are common exercises to bring your tilted uterus back to its normal position.However, these exercises will not be beneficial when you have conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or PID that make your uterus tilt. In such cases, treating the conditions will help you more.
  1. Using a pessary device: A pessary is a temporary solution because it is associated with infections or inflammation when used for the long term. In this method, a small device is inserted into the vagina that supports your uterus.
  2. Surgical methods: When you have pain or severe symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgery to fix your uterine position. Your doctor will perform either a uterine suspension procedure or a uterine uplift after assessing your condition.
A tilted uterus is not a cause for concern and will not affect your chances of getting pregnant. Also, you may be asymptomatic and unaware of your uterine position.However, if you have pain during menstruation or intercourse, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. You may need treatment for other conditions that are making your uterus tilt.

FAQs on How Does a Tilted Uterus Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?

  1. Can a tilted uterus cause problems in pregnancy?A tilted uterus will not cause problems in pregnancy because your uterus moves into a normal position after the first trimester. This shift in your uterus is caused by its growing size.
  2. How to fix a tilted uterus naturally?Pelvic exercises can help you fix your tilted uterus naturally by strengthening the muscles that support your uterus. There are also medical treatments, such as a pessary or uterine surgery, that can fix your tilted uterus.
  3. Can exercise fix a tilted uterus?Exercises suggested by your doctor can help temporarily fix your tilted uterus. However, if conditions such as endometriosis, infections or fibroids are the reason for a tilted uterus, you may need medical assistance.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Aishwarya Sinha, Consultant Gynaecologist, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences