Septate Uterus
Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Septate uterus is a condition affecting the female reproductive system where a thin wall of tissue divides the inside of the uterus into two parts. This abnormality occurs during fetal development and can impact a woman's ability to carry a pregnancy to term. The main health concern is an increased risk of miscarriage, infertility, and preterm birth. Many women with this condition may not have symptoms and only discover it during fertility evaluations or pregnancy complications. Diagnosis often involves imaging tests that look inside the uterus. Treatment can improve pregnancy outcomes by correcting the uterine shape.
Clinical Definition
Septate uterus is a congenital uterine malformation characterized by a fibrous or muscular septum dividing the endometrial cavity into two separate compartments. It results from incomplete resorption of the midline uterine septum during embryogenesis of the Müllerian ducts. This anomaly is the most common type of uterine malformation and is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes such as recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility, and preterm labor. The septum is typically avascular and composed of fibrous tissue, which impairs implantation and fetal development. Differentiation from other uterine anomalies like bicornuate uterus is critical due to differences in management. Diagnosis is important for guiding surgical correction to improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes.