Congenital Uterine Anomalies and Infertility

What are Congenital Uterine Anomalies?

The crucial part of conception and pregnancy is the woman’s uterus. It carries the baby safely for nine months and fulfils the dream of parenthood. But what happens when the uterus itself has a structural issue from birth?

This is what we call Congenital Uterine Anomalies (CUAs)—developmental abnormalities in the uterus that occur while a baby girl is still in the womb. These anomalies can impact fertility, increase the risk of miscarriage, and complicate pregnancy. Some women never experience symptoms, while others may struggle with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.

If you’ve been trying to conceive and faced unexplained difficulties, understanding uterine anomalies could be a key step in finding a solution.

Types of Congenital Uterine Anomalies

Not all uterine anomalies are the same. Some may affect fertility, while others allow for a successful pregnancy with careful monitoring. Here are the most common types:

🔹 Septate Uterus – A fibrous band of tissue divides the uterus, creating two separate cavities.  This may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labor or fetal growth restriction.
 🔹 Bicornuate Uterus – This is a congenital anomaly where the uterus will be heart-shaped, with two cavities instead of one. This will lead to pregnancy complications or fetal growth restrictions.
 🔹 Unicornuate Uterus – In this case only one side of the uterus develops properly, resulting in smaller uterus and limiting space for embryo implantation. Each type has different implications, and identifying them early can help determine the best course of action.

Causes & Risk Factors

This is a condition which occurs when the fetus is in the womb of the mother, meaning they are present from birth. While the exact cause isn’t always known, some factors may increase the likelihood of these anomalies:

• Genetic Factors – If your mother or grandmother had a uterine anomaly, there is a higher chance that you inherit it.
• Exposure to Medications – Some drugs including Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug given to pregnant women in the mid-1900s that later caused uterine malformations in their daughters. So, consumption of these drugs will also lead to congenital uterine anomalies Though congenital uterine anomalies cannot be prevented, early detection can help manage fertility-related challenges effectively.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Many women with uterine anomalies may not realize it until they face difficulty conceiving or experience recurrent miscarriages. Other signs include:

·       Irregular or painful periods

·       Repeated miscarriage

·       Premature labor

To diagnose a uterine anomaly, doctors may use:

·       Ultrasound – A simple, non-invasive scan to check the uterus. High frequency sound waves are used in this test to produce images of the uterus

·        MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – Provides high-resolution images of the uterus and its structure by using strong magnetic fields and radio.

·       Hysterosalpingography (HSG) – An X-ray procedure with a contrast dye to highlight the shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It helps diagnose uterine anomalies, tubal damage, or blockages.

Treatment Options

Surgical Correction

For women struggling with infertility due to a septate uterus, hysteroscopic metroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to remove the dividing tissue and improve pregnancy outcomes. Other procedures, like laparoscopic surgery, may help correct severe uterine abnormalities.

Fertility Treatments

If surgical correction isn’t an option or has not led to successful conception, Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) offer hope to parenthood.

💠 In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – This helps bypass uterine issues by fertilizing an egg outside the body and transferring it into a carefully monitored uterus. The fertilization process is done in a laboratory.
 💠 Gestational Carriers – In cases where pregnancy is not possible, seek help of a surrogate mother to bring a baby to term.

With advanced reproductive technologies, women with congenital uterine anomalies can still experience the joy of motherhood.

Final Thoughts

Congenital uterine anomalies can be a hidden cause of infertility and pregnancy complications, but they don’t mean the end of your dream of having a baby. With the right diagnosis and treatment—whether through surgery or fertility treatments like IVF—many women go on to have successful pregnancies.

At Curves and Kicks, we specialize in helping women navigate their fertility journey. If you’re struggling with recurrent miscarriages or infertility, let’s find the best solution together. Book a consultation today!