What Is Septum Uterus: Causes and Symptoms
This condition is characterized by the presence of a membrane made up of fibrous tissue (or fibrous muscle) which divides the uterine cavity into two sections. Depending on the extent of this septum, the defect can be defined as partial (subseptum: only partially separates the uterus ) or complete (septum: completely divides the uterine cavity).
The septate uterus is a congenital malformation, therefore present from birth.
The etiology is similar to that of the bicornuate uterus , as it derives from a defect which occurred at the time of fusion of the Müller ducts (that is, the structures from which the uterus originates during fetal development ).
In the septate uterus, a sort of dividing barrier is created which can extend from the fundus (upper part of the organ) to the cervix, creating two uterine hemicavities.
This condition can be associated with other malformations of the female genital system (eg vaginal septum or double cervix ).
In some cases, a septate uterus may be an asymptomatic condition that does not adversely affect the ability to reproduce; other times, this anomaly can be responsible for dysmenorrhea , dyspareunia ( pain during sexual intercourse ) and pelvic pain .
In addition, the septate uterus can complicate pregnancy with spontaneous abortions up to the 5th month, placental abruption , premature rupture of membranes, fetal growth retardation , preterm delivery , and breech or transverse presentation of the fetus at the time of labor.
In order to avoid these complications, corrective surgery, such as hysteroscopic metroplasty, may be indicated.
