- What are the signs and symptoms
- Possible causes
- Pregnancy with bicornuate uterus
- How the diagnosis is made
- What is the treatment
The bicornuate uterus is a congenital anomaly in which the uterus, which is usually pear-shaped, has an abnormal morphology, in which there is a membrane that divides it into two parts, which can cause a total or partial division.
Treatment for the bicornuate uterus is generally not necessary, unless the woman has difficulty conceiving due to this condition.
What are the signs and symptoms
Generally, the bicornuate uterus does not cause symptoms, and is often discovered only during an ultrasound scan, already in adulthood. However, some women may experience discomfort during ovulation, abdominal pain, pain during intimate contact or irregular menstruation.
Many women with a bicornuate uterus have a normal sex life and also have smooth pregnancies and deliveries, but in some cases this malformation in the uterus can cause infertility, miscarriage, premature birth of the baby or kidney abnormalities.
Possible causes
People with a bicornuate uterus are already born with this problem because the malformation still occurs during pregnancy. It is not known for certain why this anomaly happens, but it is thought to be a hereditary disease.
Pregnancy with bicornuate uterus
Usually a bicornuate uterus does not affect fertility, but in some cases it can cause spontaneous abortion or premature birth, due to the small size of the uterus or the occurrence of irregular uterine contractions.
In addition, several studies show that women with a bicornuate uterus are 4 times more likely to have a baby with malformations and that is why it is very important to have regular exams during pregnancy and to be aware of any unusual signs. These pregnancies are usually treated as high-risk pregnancies and it is very likely that delivery will be performed by caesarean section.
How the diagnosis is made
There are several tests that can be performed to diagnose the bicornuate uterus:
- Ultrasound, in which images are captured using a device that can be placed against the abdominal region or inserted into the vagina; Magnetic resonance imaging, which is a painless procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create transversal images of the interior of the body; Hysterosalpingography, which is a gynecological exam in which a dye is injected into the uterus and as the contrast moves through the reproductive organs, X-rays are taken to determine the shape and size of the uterus.
Generally, before using these tests, the doctor performs a pelvic examination, which consists of a visual and physical examination of the woman's reproductive organs.
What is the treatment
Generally, women with a bicornuate uterus who do not show signs or symptoms do not need treatment.
However, if symptoms occur that cause a lot of discomfort or if the woman is unable to become pregnant or maintain a pregnancy due to this condition, surgery may be performed.
