Retrograde menstruation is the backward movement of menstrual fluids through the fallopian tubes and into the peritoneal cavity. Although the exact reasons that cause it to occur are unknown, the condition is believed to be a major cause of endometriosis. Certain signs and symptoms can suggest that the problem is occurring, and if symptoms occur, health experts recommend seeing a gynecologist or other healthcare professional.
Retrograde menstruation occurs when blood flows backwards into the pelvis instead of out of the vagina during menstruation. Retrograde menstruation is common, and occurs to some degree in most women who have their period.
In normal menstruation, the uterine lining sheds following ovulation without fertilization. Blood and endometrial tissue push forward out of the vagina, typically creating steady flow for 3-7 days of menstruation. When retrograde menstruation occurs, some blood and tissue flow backward up the fallopian tubes instead of forward and down through the vagina. If endometrial tissue clogs the fallopian tubes or reaches the peritoneal cavity, inflammation and illness can occur.
It is not known exactly what factors will cause the tissue to move in the wrong direction. Some suggest that vigorous yoga inversion poses, where the legs and hips are held above the torso, could cause some blood and tissue to flow up instead of down. For this reason, some health experts recommend avoiding yoga inversions or any other form of exercise inversion that could affect blood flow during menstruation.
There are many things that can happen to your reproductive organs that in turn can affect your overall health. You may know all about the annoying signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome, for example, or the painful symptoms of endometriosis.
But other conditions exist that are a little more subtle, like the.Also known as a, a 'tilted uterus' is when your uterus points slightly backward toward the spine and rectum, instead of forward. 'It affects around 20 percent of the female population and is typically genetic, so there's a good chance that your mother or grandmother also had a retroverted uterus,' Nicole Harlow, a women's health expert and founder of, tells Bustle. 'There are certain conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids that may also tilt the uterus backwards.' While it sounds scary (titled organs, what?) it's not something you have to worry about, and you likely won't even notice it. As Harlow says, 'It just may be uncomfortable in certain situations.'
Read on below for ways to tell if you, including when you might notice it the most. If they sound familiar, ask your gynecologist for a pelvic exam so you can know for sure. Certain Sex Positions Are Really Uncomfortable. ShutterstockIf your uterus points backward, some due to the angle. This is especially true for the ones where the penis might hit towards the rear of the body instead of the front, such as the reverse cowgirl, Harlow says. For positions like this one, you might think they're too painful, and thus not worth the effort. And that's OK.You might also notice that deeper penetration is extra painful, too, as well as any.
If that's the case, you can always ask your doctor for, if you'd like to try these positions. It's Often Difficult To Put In TamponsTampons once you get the hang of it, as they're designed to slide right inside the vagina. So take it as a sign if you just can't seem to get them in, or if you've always struggled to insert them on the first go.If your uterus is tilted sharply backwards, 'when you insert tampons you may find that the tampon or other insertable doesn't seem to want to sit properly,' Harlow says, so the same goes for menstrual cups, too.While you may have figured out how to use tampons comfortably, even with a tilted uterus, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice if it's still difficult. You Have All Kinds Of Leakage During Your Period. ShutterstockBecause tampons and menstrual cups might not sit properly inside, you might notice they don't work as well for you as they do for others. Instead of the blood being properly absorbed, it might, and out into your underwear. You might even decide to switch to pads, claiming that tampons just don't work.If you experience annoying, Harlow says this could be why.
Diaphragms Never Seem To Fit ProperlyFor the same reasons listed above, Harlow says you might not be able to. This form of birth control, which is a shallow cup designed to be inserted into the vagina to, might not fall into place properly.If any of these period/sex-related issues are annoying, talk to your gynecologist about your options. (And, of course, whether or not you might have a tilted uterus.) 5.
Your Get Period Cramps In Your Lower Back. ShutterstockWhile many people feel, if you have a tilted uterus, your may be more likely to experience aches and cramping in your lower back, instead. This can happen for people with a more typical uterus, too, but can be more likely if yours is pointing that way.As Harlow says, you might also notice more back pain during pregnancy, too. You've Been Having Trouble Getting PregnantWhile a naturally tilted uterus shouldn't affect your ability to get pregnant, one that's titled due to other health conditions might. 'If endometriosis or pelvic scar tissue is the cause of a 'tilted' uterus, then you may experience more,' Dr. Janet Choi, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist with, tells Bustle.' A tilted uterus does not affect you later in life,' she says, but may be noticeable during child-bearing years.
So if you're interested in having kids, this may be helpful to keep in mind. You can ask your doctor about the impact it might have, and what your options are. It Seems Like You Always Have A UTI.
ShutterstockIf you're particularly susceptible to, a tilted uterus may be to blame. As L.Ac., Dipl. OM, FABORM, a women's health expert, tells Bustle, 'It stems from the abnormal positioning of the uterus. Sometimes surgery is recommended to correct this condition if symptoms are causing severe distress.' You May Have Peed Yourself Once Or TwiceAn abnormally positioned uterus may also push on your organs in such a way that it causes other annoying issues, such as incontinence. While there are plenty of other reasons you might be struggling to, or noticing that little dribbles come out in between trips to the bathroom, Gerson says a tilted uterus may be one of them. And since this issue can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, it's certainly worth looking into.
It Can Be Difficult To Go To The Bathroom. ShutterstockDo you occasionally? If so, it may be because 'the tilted uterus can sometimes cause a mechanical compression of the rectum,', an OB/GYN, tells Bustle.
'Everyone's uterine size is a little different, but if your uterus is a little bulkier and you naturally have hard stools, that can be a bad combination for your bowel movements.' Irregular Menstrual CyclesIrregular menstrual cycles may, according to the health writer Jamie Renee Lashbrook on the women's website WellBellyHealing. Since it's likely been that way your whole life, you might not think anything of your.
But it's still something you can bring up at your next doctor's appointment, in order to get more information. No Problems At All.
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