A septate uterus is a deformity of the uterus, which happens during foetal development before birth. A membrane called the septum divides the inner portion of uterus, at its middle. This dividing septum is a fibrous and muscular band of tissue that can be thick or thin. Women with a septate uterus are at increased risk of miscarriage.
How does a septate uterus affect pregnancy?
A septate uterus does not typically affect a woman’s ability to conceive, but it does significantly increase their risk of a miscarriage. Women with septate uteri can also go on to have recurrent miscarriages.
Women with a septate uterus have an increased risk of both miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage that may increase the risk for:
Symptoms
Other than a miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage, there aren’t any symptoms of a septate uterus. It’s often only diagnosed after an investigation into the cause of miscarriages.
Causes
Septate uterus is a genetic abnormality. It’s not known what causes it to occur. It happens as the embryo is developing..
Diagnosis
A septate uterus may be seen on a standard 2D pelvic ultrasound. An MRI or 3D scan can be a more accurate way to identify problems of the uterus.
After a pelvic examination is performed, we may probably begin investigation with one of these tests. In order to confirm diagnosis, hysterosalpingogram or a hysteroscopy can be performed.
If a woman does not wish to have children, there is no need to have the condition treated. On its own, it does not pose a health risk. However, if a woman with a septate uterus would like to have children, then she may choose to have surgery. Surgery will significantly increase chances of a successful pregnancy.
Treatment
A septate uterus can be treated with a surgery called a metroplasty. The procedure is now carried out with a hysteroscopy. The hysteroscopic procedure allows for treatment to be done within the uterus without the need for an outer abdominal incision.
During a hysteroscopic metroplasty, a lighted instrument is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus. Another instrument is also inserted to cut away and remove the septum.
This technique is minimally invasive, and usually takes about one hour. Women choosing to have a hysteroscopic metroplasty typically return home on the same day as the procedure.
After surgery, women with a history of recurrent miscarriage will go on to have a healthy future pregnancy. In women who had been previously unable to get pregnant, may be able to become pregnant after this procedure.
You Should Know …
A septate uterus is the most common malformation of the uterus. The main complication of the condition is the increased risk of miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage. If a woman does not wish to have children, there is no need to have the condition treated. On its own, it does not pose a health risk. However, if a woman with a septate uterus would like to have children, then she may choose to have surgery. Surgery will significantly increase chances of a successful pregnancy.