You may have heard from a friend about FemiEko’s reusable intimate products, such as menstrual pads, or read great reviews on the internet about how comfortable it is to wear a menstrual cup instead of tampons and pads. You want to try them too, but you’re faced with a dilemma. You have a retroverted uterus and aren’t sure if these devices that collect blood inside are right for you. We’ll tell you all about the retroverted uterus, what it means, what causes it and what the symptoms are, how and if it affects your sex life and last but not least how you should position your menstrual cup or disc so that you feel comfortable and safe with every use.
The retroverted uterus is also called retroflex or tilted uterus and has a different position from the usual one. Normally the uterus is located towards the front of the body. The retroverted uterus faces the back.
To the question “Can I use a menstrual cup or disc if I have a retroverted uterus?”, the answer is “Yes”. To help you enjoy all the comfort that our products offer, we come with small recommendations that will help you position yourself better.
What does retroverted uterus mean?
Studies show that 20% of women have a retroverted uterus. Naturally, the uterus is tilted towards the front, starting at the cervix (or cervix), which is the opening from the vagina to the uterus. In the case of the retroverse, the position is different, it being oriented to the back, that is, in the opposite direction.
If you have a retroverted uterus, it may take several attempts to position a menstrual cup correctly. With a little extra effort and testing several angles during menstruation you will be able to figure out what your body needs. How do you use it if you have a retroverted uterus? Normally the menstrual cup should sit just below the cervix and not cause any discomfort. In the case of a retroverted uterus, position the cup a little lower. Choose size A, which is designed for women with a low or medium cervix. After inserting it into the vagina, monitor progress and see if it has made a vacuum with the vaginal walls and there are no leaks. Talk to your gynecologist if you need special recommendations, such as the position of the uterus. However, personal experience and time will give you the answer to what suits you best.
In the case of FemiEko’s menstrual disc, it is specifically designed to fit any type of cervix. It sits much higher up, under the pubic bone, and so fits across the width of the vaginal canal – where it collects blood – rather than under the cervix as with the cup. For this reason, women with a retroverted uterus should have no problem using the menstrual disc. It may not be the perfect fit from the start, experiment with different movements until you find the position that is compatible with your uterus. You need to push more or flex the disc inwards. You can ask your doctor to advise you of the most effective maneuvers for full coverage and avoiding leakage.
Causes of retroverted uterus
Several causes of retroverted uterus have been identified, and among the most common are:
- Genetic cause, meaning the woman was born with such a uterus;
- Pressure caused by a tumor developing in the area of the uterus;
- Pelvic surgery which can cause adhesions that end up pulling the uterus outwards;
- Uterine fibroids can change the shape and position of the uterus;
- Retroverted uterus and pregnancy may be related, because childbirth can cause the uterus to tilt
- Menopause decreases estrogen, pelvic muscles weaken over time, and the uterus changes position because the ligaments can no longer support it.
Symptoms of retroverted uterus
Many women do not know or find out in some context that they have a retroverted uterus, this is because the change in position does not generally cause symptoms. However, there are some signs:
- Retroverted uterus and sex life do not normally interfere, but certain positions during sex can create discomfort;
- Pain during menstruation may be related to tilting of the uterus;
- Bladder pressure and frequent trips to the toilet;
- Mild incontinence;
- Urinary tract infections;
- Difficulty inserting a menstrual cup (as well as a disposable tampon).
Diagnosis of retroverted uterus
A simple routine pelvic examination shows you where your uterus is, and often it is also detected during a Pap test at the time of collection. When the diagnosis of a retroverted uterus is made, your gynecologist may recommend more tests to find out the exact cause, but most of the time it does not cause health problems. The best thing to do is to consult your specialist and ask all the necessary questions for your peace of mind.
