In retroflexion the cervix of the uterus continues to point downwards, into the pelvic cavity, in almost the same direction as in the natural position, while the body is directed backwards, or backwards and downwards.
A fall backwards or a violent push or jump may cause retroflexionany time during life.
I have the record of a case where the womb was retroflexed and tied down by old inflammatory adhesions for nine years; the retroflexion dated back to a miscarriage.
In those women who have borne children, and those who have gone through a miscarriage, retroflexion is frequently met.
Retroversion and retroflexion of the womb will be considered more minutely later on.
As a permanent pathological lesion, this form of displacement is very rare, but as a forerunner of retroflexion it is of frequent occurrence.
The symptoms of retroflexionare greatly varied by the pathological conditions that affect the uterus, or by the complications that may have caused the flexion.
The statistics show that, out of every five women who are suffering from female diseases, one has a posterior displacement, either a retroflexion or retroversion.
Retroflexion of the Uterus, or the Womb, bent backward.
If retroversion or retroflexion be present, then the posterior lip should be fixed.
Tubal pregnancy is considered in a separate chapter, and as prolapse of the ovary is so often associated with retroflexion of the uterus it is dealt with in the chapter on Hysteropexy.
The operation when employed for severe retroflexion of the uterus is now known as ventro-suspension of the uterus; when carried out for prolapse it is termed ventro-fixation of the uterus.
Extreme anteflexion or retroflexion gives trouble during the passage of the earlier numbers, but as dilatation is effected this disappears.
The symptoms are those of retroflexion with feeling of pain and weight in the pelvis and desire to micturate followed by retention of urine due to the pressure of the cervix against the base of the bladder.
Retroflexion is a bending over of the uterus backwards, and occurs as a complication of retroversion (or displacement backwards).
The prominent symptoms ofretroflexion of the uterus are a sense of weight in the region of the rectum, difficulty in evacuating the bowels, and, sometimes a retention of the feces.
The principal causes ofretroflexion are congestion, enlargement and tumors of the uterus.
If retroflexion is due to a chronic enlargement of the uterus, caused by abortion or parturition, the patient suffers from an immoderate menstrual flow.
Fissure of the rectum is often associated with anteversion and retroflexion of the womb.
