When a woman wants to start the journey towards motherhood, she may tend to face various factors that negatively impact her chance of a successful pregnancy. One such challenge is uterine abnormality that has mostly been underestimated. Research shows that approximately one in every 20 women undergoing IVF may experience these issues. Although these conditions are not directly linked to infertility, their importance is mainly overlooked until issues like recurrent miscarriages occur.
In this article, we are going to provide you with information about these issues and whether you need to visit a fertility centre in punjab or not.
What is Uterine Abnormality?
It is defined as the change in the natural structure of the uterus, the most important female reproductive organ that is needed for conceiving. Uterus serves as the location for implantation of embryo, post-fertilization and subsequent fetal development. Typically it looks like a pear with a central cavity; some women may see various kinds of changes in size, shape, or structure, termed as uterine anomalies. These anomalies are generally known to impact a woman’s fertility.
Following are some of the common uterine abnormalities:
- Septate Uterus: It is one of the normal kinds of uterus that have the wall or partition within the uterine cavity which can be partially or completely dividing it. It may also lead to further increase in pre-mature birth, that is, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation & miscarriages.
- Bicornuate Uterus:– A bicornuate uterus, also known as a heart-shaped uterus, is another abnormality that differs from the typical pear-shaped uterus. This type of abnormality usually results in a high rate of preterm delivery. Most of the women are usually unaware about this particular condition until they try to conceive or become pregnant.
- Didelphic Uterus:- Women with uterine didelphys may have two separate uteruses due to improper merging of the Müllerian ducts during development of uterus. With this abnormality, successful pregnancy is still a fair possibility as long as your functioning uterus is of adequate size.
- Unicornuate Uterus:- The tube usually turns out into banana-shape, with one side showing incomplete development, thereby posing an increased susceptibility to complications, including preterm birth and breech presentation (where the baby assumes a bottom-first position within the uterus).
- Arcuate Uterus:-In this abnormality, a slight indent at the upper portion of the uterus is usually observed. While typically regarded as a minor irregularity with limited effects on pregnancy, it results in recurrent miscarriages.
Symptoms of Uterine abnormalities
Women who have uterine abnormalities may or may not sense/see noticeable symptoms, & some may remain unaware until face challenges with fertility or complications during pregnancy. Common signs may include :
- Absence of Periods: In certain cases structural issues in the uterus can stop regular menstrual flow. These abnormalities sometimes may lead to no periods.
- Miscarriages: Irregularities like a uterine septum can partition the uterus, which then results in decreased chance of sustaining pregnancy and leading to miscarriages.
- Abnormal Position of a Baby: In some cases where the baby is in a wrong position with feet pointing downward, c-section delivery is typically recommended in such cases.
- Painful Menstruation: The inadequate development of the vagina or uterus may result in a hindrance to menstrual flow that leads to discomfort such as cramps and pain in abdomen.
- Pain During Intercourse: In certain cases, uterine abnormalities can cause discomfort while vaginal intercourse that results in pain for some women.
- Preterm Labour: Uterine abnormalities can lead to premature birth, potentially increasing the overall vulnerability of the newborn to infections, & developmental challenges.
How Are Uterine Abnormalities Diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose uterine abnormality by following examination:-
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Your gynecologist at the fertility centre in punjab will inquire about your menstrual history, pregnancy history, and any symptoms you may be currently experiencing.
- Ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound is the most common way of assessment of the uterus as it produces high-quality images, enabling your gynecologist to accurately visualize the organ.
- 3D Ultrasound:- The utilization of 3D ultrasound technology enables the creation of a detailed three-dimensional image of the uterus, proving to be immensely beneficial for evaluating potential abnormalities in your uterus.
- Hysterosalpingography:- It is an x-ray procedure that requires an injection into the uterus through the cervix. This process will be beneficial in outlining your uterus cavity & fallopian tubes and it may help the doctor to detect any abnormality.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):- MRI may be utilized in certain cases to offer enhanced imaging of the uterus and its surrounding structures, thus supplying supplementary data for evaluation.
- Hysteroscopy:- This typically involves the insertion of a slender tube (hysteroscope) through the cervix into the uterus to enable direct visualization of the uterine cavity and detect any sort of abnormalities.
What are the Various Treatments Used to Treat Uterine Abnormalities?
In situations where a septum is identified, surgical intervention using hysteroscopy or laparoscopy is crucial. The precise removal of the septum is intended to establish an ideal setting for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy. Maintaining the integrity of the cervix is also a key factor in surgery to prevent cervical insufficiency and potential risks during gestation.
The integration of surgeries with assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF treatment, frequently emerges as the preferred approach for couples facing fertility obstacles from uterine abnormalities.
Miscarriages or unsuccessful embryo transfers are obstacles that couples may encounter most of the time. Have some patience and determination if you are undergoing these tough times and medical situations.
If you are experiencing a uterine abnormality that affects your fertility, we suggest you schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist Dr. Shivani Bhutani. Under her guidance, accurate diagnosis, treatment plans, and a collaborative approach integrating medical expertise and emotional assistance, numerous couples can successfully fulfill their wish of bringing a healthy child into their lives. Visit Eva Hospital – the best fertility centre in Ludhiana to have your baby.
