- How they develop
- What are the complications
- 1. Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome
- 2. Unicorn uterus
- 3. Obstructive lateral fusion problems
- 4. Non-obstructive side fusion problems
- 5. Obstructive vertical fusion problems
Müller's ducts, also known as paramesonephric ducts, are structures that are present in the embryo and give rise to female internal genitals, if it is a girl or remain in its vestigial form, if it is a boy.
In women, Müller's ducts originate the uterine tubes, the uterus and the upper part of the vagina and in men, the structures that give rise to male sexual organs such as the epididymis, the vas deferens and the seminal vesicles are Wolff's ducts, that in women remain in vestigial form.
How they develop
Both Müller's ducts and Wolff's ducts depend on hormonal controls:
In the embryo that will give rise to the male sex, a hormone is produced, called the anti-Mullerian hormone, which leads to the regression of Müller's ducts, and then testosterone is produced, which is released by the testicles, which will stimulate the differentiation of the ducts Wolff.
In the absence of the production of these hormones, in the female embryo, Müller's ducts develop, leading to the differentiation and formation of the internal female genitals.
What are the complications
There are some complications that can happen during the differentiation of the Mullerian ducts, which can cause anomalies:
1. Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by an absence of uterus, uterine tubes and upper part of the vagina, however, secondary sexual characteristics develop in it because the ovaries are still present since they do not depend on the Müller ducts to develop.
Abnormalities in the urinary system and spine may also occur. It is not yet known exactly what causes this syndrome, being generally discovered in adolescence, due to the absence of menstruation. Learn more about this syndrome, what are the symptoms and how to treat it.
2. Unicorn uterus
This anomaly is thought to develop due to a problem in the development of one of Müller's ducts. The unicorn uterus is about half the size of a normal uterus and has only one uterine tube, which can make pregnancy difficult.
3. Obstructive lateral fusion problems
When lateral fusion problems occur, obstruction at the level of the cervix or vagina may occur, and in adulthood it can lead to menstrual cramps or endometriosis. In these cases, it may be necessary to perform an obstructive vaginal septum removal.
4. Non-obstructive side fusion problems
When non-obstructive lateral fusion problems occur, the formation of a bicornuate or septate uterus can occur, which can make pregnancy difficult, give rise to premature births, cause abortions, or even cause infertility.
5. Obstructive vertical fusion problems
Problems with obstructive vertical fusion may also occur, which may result in the absence of a vagina, but the presence of a uterus, and it may be necessary to remove it if the cervix is not present.
