RETROVERTED UTERUS AND FERTILITY (Tilted uterus)

Myths abound when it comes to sexual positions that supposedly help you get pregnant faster. Still, the notion that one position is more effective than another is scientifically baseless for most couples trying to conceive. 

However, sexual positions MIGHT matter when you’re trying to get pregnant if your uterus is tilted backward — what’s known as retroverted uterus. A retroverted uterus may make sex painful and could make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg in certain sexual positions.

What is a retroverted uterus?

Your uterus is a pear-shaped organ that sits on top of your cervix. Most women have a uterus that’s tipped slightly forward toward the navel. But in around 1 in 4 women, the uterus and cervix tilt backward. This is called retroverted, and it’s the most common “malposition” of the uterus. You may have heard a retroverted uterus called by different names, such as tilted uterus, tipped uterus, backward uterus, or retroflexed uterus. 

Your healthcare provider can determine the position of your uterus in a pelvic exam or an ultrasound exam.

Why a retroverted uterus may cause painful sex

Three ligaments anchor the uterus in place. Researchers theorize that the backward-tilted position of the uterus may cause undue stress on these ligaments during sex, thereby making sex painful. A retroverted uterus doesn’t make you infertile (it’s complicated — more on this in a bit), but it may make sex painful for some women due to anatomical differences.

What sexual positions are best with a retroverted uterus?

Although there’s no broad consensus on the best sexual position with a retroverted uterus, medical and fertility experts offer a few suggestions.

To have the best chance at conception with a retroverted uterus, fertility doctor Dr. Marc Sklar, of the Fertility TV YouTube channel, suggests having sex from behind, or doggy style (which is pretty surprising given the depth of penetration possible in this position). 

But, as Dr. Sklar explains, with a retroverted uterus, “the cervix and the uterus are tilted backwards and it’s not a direct shot when your partner penetrates through the vaginal canal.” He says the angle of doggy style corrects the misalignment, helping the penis to more closely line up with the cervix.

When trying this position — or any others, frankly — be sure to keep the lines of communication open throughout sex with your partner. It may help for the couple to communicate and discuss what level of penetration is comfortable and enjoyable.