of the
uterus from congestion, and inflammation or tumors also favor prolapsus.
Abortion may leave the womb enlarged, its supports weakened, and result
in this displacement.

[Illustration: Fig. 12.
Retroflexion, U, Uterus (Womb),
B, Bladder.]

FLEXIONS AND VERSIONS. Instead of sliding down into the vagina, as in
prolapsus, the uterus is liable to fall or be forced into other
unnatural positions. When the uterus is bent upon itself, it is called
_flexion_. If the bending is backward, it is called _retroflexion_; if
forward, _anteflexion._ Fig. 12, represents the former condition, the
uterus being flexed backward so that the fundus, or upper part of the
womb, is pressed against the rectum, while the neck of the uterus
remains in its natural position. This is a common form of displacement,
and generally occurs between the ages of fourteen and fifty.

SYMPTOMS. The prominent symptoms of retroflexion 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. There may be
suppression of the urine and the menses may be diminished in quantity.
If retroflexion is due to a chronic enlargement of the uterus, caused by
abortion or parturition, the patient suffers from an immoderate
menstrual flow.

CAUSES. The principal causes of retroflexion are congestion, enlargement
and tumors of the uterus. Congestion is liable to occur in women
possessing an extremely active temperament, as well as in those of
sedentary and indolent habits. Retroflexion is a common displacement in
both married and unmarried women; it is a secondary affection, and, when
it is caused by congestion, the menses are painful and reduced in
quantity, and there is pain in the back and a sense of weight in the
region of the rectum. In some instances, there is a reflex irritation of
the mammary glands, and a consequent secretion of milk. There may also
be nausea and vomiting, which often lead to the erroneous opinion that
the patient is pregnant.

_Anteflexion_ of the uterus denotes a bending forward of the body and
fundus of the uterus, while the neck remains in its natural position.

In versions of the uterus, neither the body nor the neck of the womb is
bent upon itself, but the whole organ is completely turned backward or
forward.

[Illustration: Fig. 13.
Retroversion. B, Bladder.
U, Uterus (Womb).]

_Retroversion_ of the uterus, illustrated by Fig. 13, signifies a cha