Symptoms
Many women with a uterine septum experience no symptoms. However, some may experience:
Recurrent miscarriages
Infertility
Preterm labor and delivery
Breech presentation of the fetus
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Causes
A uterine septum is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. It occurs during fetal development when the Müllerian ducts, which normally fuse to form the uterus, do not completely fuse. This results in a wall of tissue remaining within the uterine cavity.
Medicine Used
There is no medication used to treat a uterine septum directly. Surgical correction is the standard treatment. However, medications might be used to manage symptoms like pain or bleeding, or to prepare for or support a pregnancy after surgical correction. These medications could include:
Pain relievers (NSAIDs for dysmenorrhea)
Hormonal birth control (to regulate bleeding)
Progesterone supplementation (during pregnancy, if indicated)
Is Communicable
No. A uterine septum is not a communicable disease. It is a congenital abnormality, not an infection or condition that can be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no precautions to prevent the occurrence of a uterine septum, as it is a congenital condition. However, if you are diagnosed with a uterine septum, precautions might include:
Close monitoring during pregnancy
Surgical correction before attempting pregnancy (depending on the severity of the septum and reproductive history)
Avoiding activities that could increase the risk of miscarriage
How long does an outbreak last?
A uterine septum is not an outbreak related disease, this question is not applicable.
How is it diagnosed?
A uterine septum is typically diagnosed through the following methods:
Pelvic Exam: A physical examination by a doctor.
Ultrasound: Including transvaginal ultrasound, is often the first-line imaging technique. 3D ultrasound provides better visualization of the uterine cavity.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An X-ray procedure where dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Hysteroscopy: A procedure where a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus to visualize the uterine cavity.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the uterus and can help differentiate a septum from other uterine abnormalities.
Timeline of Symptoms
A uterine septum is present from birth. However, symptoms may not appear until:
Puberty: Dysmenorrhea might begin after the onset of menstruation.
Attempting to Conceive: Infertility may become apparent when pregnancy is desired.
Pregnancy: Recurrent miscarriages or preterm labor during pregnancy may lead to diagnosis. Therefore, there is no specific timeline, as the condition is always present, and symptoms depend on reproductive attempts and pregnancy outcomes.
Important Considerations
Surgical Correction: Hysteroscopic resection of the septum is a common and effective treatment to improve fertility and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Fertility Treatment: Women with uterine septa may benefit from fertility treatments like IVF, even after surgical correction, depending on other fertility factors.
Pregnancy Management: Close monitoring during pregnancy after septum correction or in women who choose not to undergo surgery is crucial.
Differential Diagnosis: It's important to differentiate a uterine septum from other uterine malformations, such as a bicornuate uterus, as the treatment and prognosis differ.
Psychological Support: Recurrent miscarriages can be emotionally challenging, so seeking psychological support or counseling can be beneficial.