WHAT EXACTLY IS A UTERINE SEPTUM?

Uterine Septum (also known as Septate uterus) is a condition where the uterus gets an extra wedge of tissue known as the septum that hangs from the top. The septum can be a little bit small, or it can extend all the way to the cervix dividing the uterus into two cavities.

The condition is usually first detected during an infertility exam that can be performed after a recent miscarriage. The tests used to diagnosis a Uterine Septum may include:

Septate Uterus

• MRI
• Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy
• Ultrasound
• Hysterosalpingogram that needs x-rays and injecting dye

HOW DOES A UTERINE SEPTUM CONDITION AFFECT FERTILITY?

Uterine Septum is a condition a woman is born with. The tissue that makes up the septum differ from normal uterine tissue leading to poor blood circulation in the septum. As a result, the embryo fails to implant successfully in the uterus, and if they do, there is a high chance they will not develop. The uterine septum can be a major cause of infertility or recurrent miscarriages.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF UTERINE SEPTUM?

Women who experience Uterine Septum are born with it. The uterus normally develops as 2 halves.  The two halves fuse together than the middle part that fuses together dissolves. A septum forms after the two uteri halves join to form one (normal) uterus but fails to then absorb the fused portion.

Apart from the normal infertility problems, a person with Uterine Septum typically shows no other symptoms. The truth is that most women do not know they have Uterine Septum until they experience problems conceiving or consult a fertility doctor.

HOW CAN A UTERINE SEPTUM BE TREATED?

Women with a uterine septum and a history of preterm delivery, history of miscarriage, or those who want to undergo advanced fertility treatments such as IVF can undergo a surgical correction of their septum. A person not interested in having children does not need to have a septum removed or fixed.

During the procedure, the Denver fertility doctor will insert a hysteroscope into the uterus. Then a wire that carries an electric current is extended through a camera and applied directly to the septum tissue. Then the septum is incised, and the tissue springs back to the uterine wall resulting in a normal uterine cavity.

The procedure is not complicated and is relatively straightforward. It usually only takes 15- 20 minutes to surgically fix a septum. Just like any other surgical procedures, there are risks involved. Some of the risk factors you need to talk to your Colorado fertility specialist include:

• Uterus perforation
• Fluid overload
• Incomplete septum resection
• Uterine cavity scarring

Once the procedure is performed, the uterus has a high chance of carrying the pregnancy again. Typically, the uterine abnormality does not affect the ability to get pregnant or give birth. However, it depends on the kind of defect that may hinder the woman from carrying the baby until the delivery date. If the problem is not solved as quickly as possible, the baby may develop in an inappropriate position which may lead to complications during birth. This calls for keen monitoring during the pregnancy period.

If you have been trying to conceive without success for some time now, it’s time to visit a qualified specialist to find out the potential cause of your situation. It’s never too late to start the treatment process.