Getting Pregnant with a Tilted Uterus or Tilted Cervix

Women who have been given the diagnosis of a tilted cervix do not have to worry that this means they are infertile. A tilted cervix does not imply that a woman cannot become pregnant either naturally, through artificial insemination or even with in vitro fertilization. For some women with a tilted cervix; however, things can become a bit tricky especially when using assisted reproductive techniques.

Tilted Cervix Often Entails a Tilted Uterus

The cervix is the neck to the uterus and most women who have a tilted cervix will also have a tilted uterus. This still does not mean that the woman is bound to have infertility issues but it can make reproduction, especially with assisted reproductive techniques more difficult.

The uterus is normally in an up and down position, with a tilted uterus the uterus is tipped back towards the pelvis instead of tipped in front of the pelvis. Intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and other assisted reproductive procedures can, for some women with this condition, be a bit more challenging.

IVF and other ARP with Tilted Cervix and Tilted Uterus

For women who have a tilted cervix or a tilted uterus and are going to be having in vitro fertilization the fertility specialist will most likely order a mock transfer process prior to the actual depositing of the embryos into the uterus. This procedure is common in most fertility clinics for any woman, but if a woman has a tilted cervix or uterus it should be mandatory. The doctor will place a small catheter into the cervix and up to the uterus. By doing this the doctor will be able to know the length and depth of the uterus as well as any bends or anatomical challenges that he or she will face when doing the actual embryo transfer. In most cases when the embryos fail to initiate a pregnancy in a woman is may often be due to poor transfer technique. By doing the mock transfer process the doctor will know exactly what to expect on the day of the implantation and will have the correct sized catheter and will know how to navigate the cervix and uterus properly with the embryos.

Natural Conception with a Tilted Uterus or Cervix

Natural conception with a tilted uterus or tilted cervix should not be an issue either. The path that the sperm must take may take them through some bends but as long as the sperm are healthy they should be able to travel to the uterus without an issue and fertilize the egg. For some women with a tilted uterus intercourse can sometimes be painful. The male partner should be sensitive to this and the couple should attempt sexual positions that do not cause discomfort.

It may be necessary to speak with a reproductive specialist if the pain is ongoing. There are certain procedures that can be done or assistive equipment that can be used to have non-painful intercourse. A pessary can be inserted. This is just a round plastic ring-like insert that will relieve pressure for the woman, but in turn it sometimes causes pain for the men. Again, speaking to your fertility specialist or your gynecologist can help you and your partner to better deal with a tilted uterus that causes painful sex.

A tilted cervix or a tilted uterus does not cause infertility but they can cause fertility challenges. It is important that the person performing your embryo transfer know the anatomy of your reproductive system so that they are prepared the day of the actual embryo transfer. For women who experience pain during intercourse due to a tilted uterus there are options that can help alleviate the pain; if intercourse is painful you should speak to your gynecologist and get recommendations. If you are attempting to get pregnant you should be aware that not all lubricants are sperm friendly. If you opt to use lubricants while trying to conceive with a tilted uterus you should seek out one that is water based and will not inhibit sperm travel.

Resources:

Retroversion of the Uterus

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001506.htm

Tipped Uterus: Tilted Uterus

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/womenshealth/tippeduterus.html

Will a Tilted Uterus Make it Harder to Conceive?

http://www.babycenter.com/404_will-a-tilted-uterus-make-it-harder-to-conceive_1460112.bc

What is a Tipped Uterus?

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-tipped-uterus.htm

Tilted Uterus

http://www.tilteduterus.com/