The development of the uterus occurs within the mother’s womb. Typically, during the fetal development of the uterus, two embryonic tubes merge to form a single entity.

In the Septate uterus, the embryonic tubes do not fuse. The membrane called the septum divides the inner chamber of the uterus into two segments. The membrane can be either thick or thin. The membrane consists of bands of tissue – fibrous and muscular.

A Septate uterus can put you at risk of miscarriages. The main reason for miscarriages is the lack of adequate support to the fetus and space for the fetus to grow.

Many get confused with a Septate uterus and misdiagnose it as a bicornuate uterus. In a bicornuate uterus, the shape of the uterus becomes like that of a heart. The upper portion of the uterus lowers towards the midline.

Although rare, a Septate uterus can develop together with a bicornuate uterus.

There is no clarity in research regarding the actual cause of a Septate uterus. As the malformation develops during fetal development, experts believe genetics may play a role. An abnormal expression of the genes can prevent the embryonic tubes from fusing completely.

A Septate uterus does not interfere with your life. You may still have a regular menstrual cycle and enjoy healthy sex life. It only presents itself when you get pregnant.

The only sign of a Septate uterus is a miscarriage or recurrent miscarriages.

If you have any of the following signs of miscarriage, you should consult your doctor immediately:

• Spotting
• Bleeding from your vagina
• Fluid or tissue discharge from your vagina
• Abdominal or low back pain
• Severe cramps in the lower abdomen and pelvic region

Often, the diagnosis of a Septate uterus is following investigations to find the cause for the miscarriage. In some cases, a routine ultrasound scan during pregnancy can show the membrane dividing the uterine chamber.

If your doctor suspects a Septate uterus, they will perform a pelvic examination. Imaging scans such as a standard 2D pelvic ultrasound and an MRI can help confirm the diagnosis.

There are other tests you can get done to diagnose the malformation, like hysterosalpingogram and hysteroscopy. In a hysterosalpingogram, an X-ray gives an image of the inner uterus and fallopian tubes. A hysteroscopy is an invasive test. Inserting a camera probe into the vagina can identify any structural irregularities of the uterus.

There is ongoing research to determine the role of 3D ultrasound in the diagnosis of uterine abnormalities.

Treatment for uterine septum involves a surgery called a metroplasty. You will be under general anesthesia during the surgery. Currently, the surgery can occur as an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day without any hospital stay.

The hysteroscopic procedure for uterine septum removal surgery requires small surgical incisions. A small camera probe along with specialized surgical tools can repair the uterine malformation. The technique is a minimally invasive procedure. The entire surgery requires not more than a couple of hours.

You can expect a full recovery within a couple of months. Some pain along the lower abdomen and pelvis is normal and resolves on its own.

Although uterine septum is not a serious health risk, it can affect your pregnancy and cause miscarriages. Surgery can increase your likelihood of carrying your child to term.

Recent advances in the surgical field have increased the outcomes for hysteroscopic removal of uterine malformations. Recurrent miscarriages are frequent in women with a Septate uterus. Following the surgery, more than half of these women are able to have a healthy pregnancy. About 20-30% of women with difficulties getting pregnant can conceive and carry to full term following this surgical treatment.

The hysteroscopic approach of surgery for uterine septum has reduced the risk and improved the surgical outcomes. The uterine septal surgery does not increase your risk of developing complications such as early labor, low birth weight, or excessive bleeding.

In rare cases, there may be a risk of uterine rupture during labor and childbirth.