Uterine anomalies are abnormalities in the uterus’ shape, size, or function. It is generally a congenital condition, which means that it is present since birth.

Most women get diagnosed with a uterine anomaly in their adolescence or when they are trying to conceive.

There are various types of Uterine anomalies. Some of them are as follows:

• Mullerian agenesis: In mullerian agenesis, the mullerian ducts fail to develop and fuse in women. Women with mullerian agenesis lack fallopian tubes, cervix, and even a part of the vagina.
• Septate uterus: In this condition, the uterine cavity is partitioned due to a septum. The shape of the uterus is not affected due to the septum, but it can make conceiving a baby difficult.
• Bicornuate uterus:It is commonly known as a heart-shaped uterus. In this condition, there is an incomplete fusion of the mullerian ducts that leads to the formation of two symmetrical cavities in the uterus.
• Unicornuate uterus: In this condition, the uterus is smaller in size and not well-formed. The uterus may have a curved or elongated shape and only one fallopian tube.
• Uterus didelphys: In this condition, the ducts in the uterus fail to fuse and develop two different cavities. The two different cavities may share or independently develop a cervix and vagina.

Uterine anomaliesoccur when the child is still in the womb. Hence, the exact cause behind it is still unknown. However, certain factors that can contribute towards its development are as follows:

• Genetic factors:Genetics play a huge role in the development of a uterine anomaly. In many cases, it has been seen that Uterine anomalies run in families.
• Physical trauma or accidents:Any form of physical trauma or accident suffered by the mother or the baby in the womb may also cause a malformation of the uterus.

The symptoms of Uterine anomalies are as follows:

• Painful sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Repeated miscarriages
• ● Extreme period pain
• An ache in the lower back and abdomen
• Difficulty in getting pregnant
• Abnormal positioning of the baby during pregnancy
• Missed periods
• ● Difficulty inserting a tampon

The various ways through which Uterine anomalies can be diagnosed are as follows:

• Physical exam: The doctor will first take down your medical history and visually check your pelvis for signs of anomalies.
  Pelvic ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound may be done to produce images of the inside of your pelvis and uterus. It is done using high-frequency sound waves that can help detect abnormal formations of the uterus.
• Laparoscopy: A laparoscope may be inserted into your uterus through the vagina to get a clear image of the anomaly.
  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A MRI is a diagnostic tool used to generate cross-sectional images of the insides of your body. It may help in generating high-resolution images of the insides and walls of the uterus for an accurate diagnosis.
• Sonohysterogram: A sonohysterogram is similar to an ultrasound. In this procedure, the doctor will inject a fluid into your uterus through the vagina and perform a scan.
• Hysterosalpingography: It is another diagnostic tool used by doctors to determine the shape and size of the uterus. In this procedure, a dye will be injected through your cervix into the uterus. As the dye spreads through your uterus, an x-ray will be taken.

For treating Uterine anomalies, surgery is required. Some of the surgical procedures that are available for treatment are as follows:

• Strassman procedure: The strassman procedure or metroplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure for uterine anomalies. In this procedure, the tissue that forms the anomaly is removed using surgical tools, and the uterus is restored to its natural shape.
• Hysteroscopic metroplasty: It is similar to the strassman procedure. However, in this, the doctor performs metroplasty by inserting a tube with a camera attached to it (hysteroscope). After inserting the hysteroscopy, the abnormal tissue or septum is identified and removed.

A uterine anomaly is a rare occurrence and may impact your fertility. However, it may not pose as many health risks and can be treated through surgery. Get your diagnosis done if you see any of the signs mentioned above to avoid further complications.

Metroplasty is a common and safe surgery. However, it may cause certain complications post-surgery. Some of them are as follows:

• Heavy bleeding
• Infection or inflammation of the pelvic organs
• The need for a repeat procedure
• Damage to organs in your abdomen, such as your bladder or bowel
• Scar tissue formation in your abdomen
• Difficulty in urination
• Fertility issues
• Complications in pregnancy