The position of the uterus can vary from person to person. Most people have the uterus in anteversion, which means that it rests on the bladder, which is just in front of the uterus. It may be positioned medially or in retroversion, when it rests on the rectum, towards the back. In addition, there may be a more prominent angulation between the cervix and the corpus uteri, which is called anteflexed or retroflexed uterus.
In most cases, a position other than anteversion will not lead to any clinical symptoms. For the gynaecologist it will be relevant when performing the embryo transfer, as he/she must direct the cannula from the entrance of the cervix to the uterine cavity, therefore, he/she must know where to direct it.
To help us in this process and rectify this angle that occurs between the vagina and the uterine cavity, the patient must have a full bladder at the time of the embryo transfer. In addition, the placement of the speculum and the abdominal ultrasound will allow us to finish modifying this position in order to enter properly.
On a few occasions, the position of the uterus can indicate something else. There are uteri in retroversion/retroflexion, in the form of a question mark or not very mobile. Especially if this is accompanied by dysmenorrhoea (period pain), we must consider whether there is an associated endometriosis. In these cases, the poor mobility of the uterus and the endometriosis itself can hinder the entire IVF process.
In conclusion, the position of the uterus must be taken into account, but it does not usually cause any additional problems in IVF.
