Last week, I discussed the bicornuate uterus. Today, I would like to continue the discussion about abnormal shaped uteri. Remember, a uterus can be misshaped due to 2 reasons: congenital (born with it) or acquired (born with a normal shape but developed an abnormality or had uterine surgery that changed the conformation of the uterus). Today, I discuss the Uterus Didelphus.
The uterus is formed by fusing 2 ducts together to create one larger chamber. This is usually accomplished by the 10th week of gestation. Sometimes, the two ducts never fuse together. This results in the formation of a “double uterus.”
Lack of fusion of the ducts results in duplication of the uterus and cervix. So, these women are born with 2 cervices and 2 half uteri. Each half has one fallopian tube. There is no duplication of the number of ovaries as ovarian formation is completely separate and independent of the formation of the uterus.
Women with uterine didelphus usually have no difficulties with menstruation and intercourse. These women also can conceive naturally without difficulty. However, there is an increased risk for malpresentation (such as breech presentation) and premature labor.
Currently, the reason why a uterus does not fuse is unknown. Additionally, there are no surgical treatments for a “double uterus.”
If you have been found to have a uterus didelphus, talk to your doctor about the treatments, if any, you may require.
Source: Speroff L, Glass R, Kase N, Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility , 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005: 123-153.
Dr. Lowell Ku, M.D. is an award winning and leading Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist at Dallas IVF, one the nation’s premiere infertility centers. Dr. Ku clarifies the many confusing terms used in the world of Infertility using straightforward explanations.
