Tilted uterus: Can it prevent pregnancy?

Does having a tilted uterus make it more difficult to conceive?

- Suzanne / Kentucky

Answer

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Tipped uterus

A tilted uterus, also called a tipped uterus, is a normal anatomical variation and shouldn't interfere with a woman's ability to conceive.

In most women, the uterus tips forward on the cervix. In about 20 percent of women, however, the uterus leans backward, or tilts, on the cervix. In the past, it was thought that a tilted uterus may contribute to infertility. But it's now known that the position of the uterus doesn't affect the ability of sperm to reach an egg.

Rarely, a sharply tilted uterus may be due to disease such as endometriosis. In this case, endometriosis — not the position of the uterus — may cause infertility.