Related articles: Uterus Septum
Definition
The uterus septum is the most common malformation involving the uterine body.
This condition is characterized by the presence of a membrane made up of fibrous (or muscle-fibrous) tissue that divides the uterine cavity into two sections. Depending on the extent of this septum, the defect can be defined as partial (subsect: it only partially separates the uterus) or complete (septum: completely divides the uterine cavity).
The uterus septum is a congenital malformation, therefore present from birth.
The etiology is similar to that of the bicorne uterus, as it derives from a defect that occurred at the time of the fusion of the Müller ducts (ie the structures from which the uterus originates during fetal development).
In the uterus septum, a sort of dividing barrier is created which can extend from the bottom (upper part of the organ) up to the cervix, creating two uterine hemicity.
This condition can be associated with other malformations of the female genital tract (eg vaginal septum or double cervix).
In some cases, the uterus septum can be an asymptomatic condition that does not interfere negatively with the ability to procreate; at other times, this anomaly may be responsible for dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) and pelvic pain.
Furthermore, the uterus septum can complicate pregnancy with spontaneous abortions up to the 5th month, placental abruption, premature rupture of the membranes, delayed fetal growth, preterm birth and breech or transverse presentation of the fetus at the time of labor.
In order to avoid such complications, surgical correction surgery, such as hysteroscopic metroplasty, may be indicated.
