What does a septate uterus mean?
Septate uterus, also known as uterine septum, is a congenital abnormality of uterine development. It occurs when the septum formed after the fusion of the two Müllerian ducts during embryonic development is not completely absorbed, resulting in a longitudinal septum within the uterine cavity that divides the uterus into two chambers. Detailed explanation is as follows:
If the uterine septum is incomplete and the septal membrane does not extend to the cervix, some women may experience no obvious symptoms, with normal menstrual cycles and flow, and may also conceive and give birth normally. However, an incomplete septum can still affect fertility or lead to complications during pregnancy such as miscarriage or preterm birth, thus requiring enhanced prenatal monitoring.
When the uterine septum is complete, extending from the fundus to the cervix, it alters the shape of the uterus and significantly impacts fertility. In such cases, embryo implantation may be compromised, increasing the difficulty of conception. Even if pregnancy is achieved, fetal development may be affected due to limited space in the uterus, leading to fetal malformations, abnormal fetal positions, or difficulties during delivery. In most cases, surgical removal of the septum is required to improve the uterine environment.
There is no need to be overly anxious upon diagnosis of a uterine septum. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the type of septum and its impact on fertility. Individuals with reproductive plans can choose an appropriate treatment plan under a doctor's guidance, while those not yet planning for pregnancy should undergo regular gynecological examinations and strictly follow medical advice for monitoring and interventions when preparing for pregnancy and during pregnancy.