Uterine Disorders
A woman's reproductive organs consist of a single uterus with an open cavity, two ovaries and two fallopian tubes. Some women are born with abnormalities called mullerian anomalies or defects. Mullerian anomalies may make it difficult or impossible to become pregnant.
The most common types of mullerian anomalies are disorders of fusion. Mullerian agensis is a failure to form the uterus and fallopian tubes. Instead of a normal upper vagina and cervix, there is a small vaginal opening or dimple. Most women are unaware they have this issue until they are older. The main symptoms are the absence of periods and/or pain when attempting sexual intercourse. Surgery can be used to enlarge the vagina. Since a woman with mullerian agenesis has ovaries that produce eggs, she can have children with the assistance of a gestational carrier.
There are several disorders of fusion that women may suffer from like a complete duplication of the uterus. In this situation, a woman has two uteri, two cervices and two vaginas. A bicornuate uterus is when two uteri share a single cervix and vagina. This can cause painful periods if the cervix does not allow blood to flow through. A septate uterus is a disorder where there is a fibrous band of tissue going through the uterus. Another disorder is arcuate uterus, which means there is a “dent” on the top of the uterus. This situation usually does not cause any problems with pregnancy. Women with fusion disorders have ovaries that function normally. They experience no physical discomforts engaging in sexual intercourse and can get pregnant. However, women with fusion disorders are more likely to have miscarriages and preterm births. Difficulties with pregnancy depend on the specific fusion disorder. The only way to diagnose a fusion disorder is through ultrasound, MRI, and/or a surgical procedure.
RESOURCES:
ABNORMAL BLEEDING
Evaluation Of The Uterus
Intrauterine Adhesions
Mullerian defect
The most common types of mullerian anomalies are disorders of fusion. Mullerian agensis is a failure to form the uterus and fallopian tubes. Instead of a normal upper vagina and cervix, there is a small vaginal opening or dimple. Most women are unaware they have this issue until they are older. The main symptoms are the absence of periods and/or pain when attempting sexual intercourse. Surgery can be used to enlarge the vagina. Since a woman with mullerian agenesis has ovaries that produce eggs, she can have children with the assistance of a gestational carrier.
There are several disorders of fusion that women may suffer from like a complete duplication of the uterus. In this situation, a woman has two uteri, two cervices and two vaginas. A bicornuate uterus is when two uteri share a single cervix and vagina. This can cause painful periods if the cervix does not allow blood to flow through. A septate uterus is a disorder where there is a fibrous band of tissue going through the uterus. Another disorder is arcuate uterus, which means there is a “dent” on the top of the uterus. This situation usually does not cause any problems with pregnancy. Women with fusion disorders have ovaries that function normally. They experience no physical discomforts engaging in sexual intercourse and can get pregnant. However, women with fusion disorders are more likely to have miscarriages and preterm births. Difficulties with pregnancy depend on the specific fusion disorder. The only way to diagnose a fusion disorder is through ultrasound, MRI, and/or a surgical procedure.
RESOURCES:
ABNORMAL BLEEDING
Evaluation Of The Uterus
Intrauterine Adhesions
Mullerian defect
