Uterus didelphys

Uterus didelphys
Uterus didelphys 0001.jpg
Synonyms	Double uterus
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	None, or dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, infertility
Complications	Miscarriage, preterm birth
Onset	Congenital
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Müllerian duct anomaly
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, MRI, Hysterosalpingography
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, Reproductive assistance
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Uterus didelphys, also known as double uterus, is a rare congenital condition where a female has two separate uterine cavities, each with its own cervix, and often a double or septate vagina. This condition is a type of Müllerian duct anomaly, which occurs during fetal development when the paired Müllerian ducts fail to fuse properly.

Anatomy and Development

During normal fetal development, the Müllerian ducts fuse to form a single uterine cavity. In uterus didelphys, this fusion does not occur, resulting in two distinct uteri. Each uterus may have its own fallopian tube, and the condition can be associated with a double cervix and a longitudinal vaginal septum.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Many women with uterus didelphys are asymptomatic and may not be aware of the condition until they undergo a pelvic examination or imaging for other reasons. Symptoms, if present, can include dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and infertility.

Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingography. These imaging techniques can reveal the presence of two separate uterine cavities and help differentiate uterus didelphys from other Müllerian duct anomalies.

Complications

Women with uterus didelphys may experience complications during pregnancy, including a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and abnormal fetal positions. However, many women with this condition can have successful pregnancies.

Treatment

Treatment is not always necessary unless the condition causes significant symptoms or complications. Surgical intervention may be considered to remove a vaginal septum if it causes obstruction or discomfort. In cases of infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, reproductive assistance such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended.

Also see

• Müllerian duct anomalies
• Bicornuate uterus
• Septate uterus
• Unicornuate uterus

External links

• [Link to a reputable medical resource]