Description

A double uterus is a rare condition that is present at birth, some women. In a female fetus, the uterus starts out as two small tubes. As the fetus grows, the tubes normally join to create one larger, hollow organ. This body is the uterus.

Sometimes the tubes don't join completely. Instead, each one develops into a separate organ. A double uterus may have one opening in a vagina. This opening is called the cervix. In other cases, each uterus has its own cervix. Often, there is also a thin wall of tissue that runs down the length of the vagina. This divides the vagina into two, with two separate openings.

Women that have a double uterus often have successful pregnancies. But the condition can make you more likely to have a spontaneous abortion or premature labor.

Symptoms

A double uterus often causes no symptoms. The condition may be discovered during a regular pelvic exam. Or it can be found during imaging tests to find the cause of repeated miscarriages.

Women that have a double vagina along with a double uterus may first see a health care provider for menstrual bleeding that will not stop for a buffer. This can happen when the stopper is placed in a vagina, but the blood continued to flow from the second uterus and the vagina.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical advice if you have a menstrual flow despite using a tampon. Or if you have severe pain during menstruation, or who have repeated miscarriages.

Causes

Health experts do not know exactly why some fetuses develop a double uterus. Genetics may play a role. That's because this rare condition sometimes runs in families.

Risk factors

The risk factors for a double uterus are not well understood. The cause of the disease is not well known. Genetics might play an important role, together with other unknown factors.

Complications

Many women with a uterus double have active sex lives. They may also have the routine of pregnancies and the success of the deliveries. But sometimes a double uterus and other uterine factors that can cause:

  • The infertility.
  • Spontaneous abortion.
  • The preterm birth.
  • Kidney problems.

Diagnosis

A double uterus may be diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor may see a double cervix or feels an unusual form of the uterus. To confirm the diagnosis of uterus double, you may need certain tests:

  • Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. To capture the images, a device called a transducer is pressed against the outer part of the lower part of the womb. Or you can have the transducer is placed in the vagina. This is called a transvaginal ultrasound. You may need both types of ultrasound to get the best view. A 3D ultrasound can be used, if available in your installation.
  • Sonohysterography. Sonohysterography (son-or-YOUR-ter-o-gram) is a special type of ultrasound. You have fluid is injected through a tube into the uterus. The liquid that describes the shape of your uterus on ultrasound. This allows your doctor to look for anything unusual.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mri machine looks like a tunnel that has two open ends. You lie on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tunnel. This painless test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the inside of your body.
  • Hysterosalpingography. During a hysterosalpingogram (his-tur-o-sal-ping-GOG-ruh-fe), a special dye is injected into the uterus through the cervix. As the dye moves through your reproductive organs, x-rays are taken. These images show the shape and size of your uterus. Also show if your fallopian tubes are open.

Sometimes, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging was also done to check if there are kidney problems.

Treatment

The treatment is often not necessary for a double uterus if you have no symptoms or other problems. The surgery to join a double uterus is not usually done.

But sometimes surgery can help. If the uterus is partially divided, and have had a pregnancy loss with no other medical explanation for the loss, your doctor may recommend surgery. This can help you to maintain a future pregnancy.

The surgery can also help you if you have a double vagina along with a double uterus. The procedure removes the wall of tissue that separates the two vaginas. This can make the delivery a bit easier.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by seeing your family doctor or other care provider. Or you may be referred to a specialist. This might include seeing a doctor, call a gynecologist, who specializes in diseases that affect the female reproductive system. Or you can see a doctor who specializes in reproductive hormones and help with fertility. This type of doctor is called a reproductive endocrinologist.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do to prepare. You can receive instructions for the preparation of certain tests. Then, make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking, including the dosage. The dose is the amount you take.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

Bring a family member or friend, if you're able to. They can help you remember what you talk with your doctor about during your appointment.

For a double uterus, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • There could be other potential causes of the symptoms?
  • Do I need any tests done?
  • I need treatment?
  • There are alternatives to the treatment you are suggesting?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you several questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Do your symptoms occur all the time or just every so often?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • Do you have regular periods?
  • Have you ever been pregnant?
  • Have you ever given birth?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
Symptoms and treatment of the Double uterus