Uterine anomalies in women can cause various gynecological problems and also complications during pregnancy. These anomalies may be mild or severe.

WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS OCCUR IN WOMEN WITH UTERINE ANOMALIES? Uterine anomalies may cause various clinical conditions and complaints such as menstrual irregularities, menstrual pain, recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm birth, growth retardation, hemorrhage in pregnancy, placental adhesion abnormalities, infertility, pain during sexual intercourse.

WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY OF UTERINE ANOMALIES IN WOMEN? It is seen in 5% of women in general. In those with recurrent pregnancy loss, uterine anomaly rate is about 10% and 25% of those with premature birth may be accompanied by those anomalies. The anomalies of female genital organs generally do not prevent pregnancy formation but might lead to pregnancy loss or premature birth.

WHICH UTERINE ANOMALIES ARE SEEN IN WOMEN? Uterine agenesis is the most severe anomaly of the uterus. In uterus unicornus anomaly, where just one side of the uterus developes, the uterus is usually smaller than normal therefore it is associated with pregnancy loss risk and also premature birth risk. In uterus didelphys anomaly in which the uterus developes but not fused in the midline, therefore the uterus is in the shape a rabbit ear.Premature birth risk is high in this anomaly. In uterus bikornis anomaly, there is a deep depression in the middle of the uterus and the uterus is in the form of a heart. This anomaly can also cause problems related to pregnancy. In uterus septus anomaly, the wall that exists in the embryological life in the middle of the uterus is not resorbed and remains as a curtain in the middle of the uterus. Uterus septus anomaly is the most common cause of miscarriage. It is possible to treat uterus septus with endoscopic method called hysteroscopy. It is possible to diagnose those anomalies during gynecologic examination and easy to treat endoscopically with hysteroscopy.

HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE UTERINE ANOMALIES? Gynecological examination, transvaginal ultrasonography, 3-D ultrasonography, uterine film (hysterosalpingography, HSG), MRI and laparoscopy or hysteroscopy are the methods used in the diagnosis of uterine anomalies.

HOW DO WE TREAT UTERINE ANOMALIES? These anomalies are treated in case of a complaint. In the presence of pain during sexual intercourse, menstrual pain, infertility, history of miscarriage or premature birth in previous pregnancies, treatment should be recommended. Endoscopic methods are frequently used in the treatment of those anomalies. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are endoscopic methods used in the treatment.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF UTERINE ANOMALIES? ARE THEY ALL CONGENITAL OR ACQUIRED LATER IN LIFE? Usually the uterine anomalies are present at birth. However, some uterine problems might develope later in life. Intrauterine adhesions, uterine fibroids or polyps are examples to those anomalies. Those anomalies occur due to previous operations, interventions to the uterus and hormonal changes.

DO THOSE UTERINE ANOMALIES DEVELOPING LATER IN LIFE CAUSE INFERTILITY? Intrauterine adhesions can prevent the formation of pregnancy and may cause the endometrium, which is the inner wall of the uterus, to remain thin. Therefore, if there is doubt before assisted reproductive treatment, hysteroscopy should be performed to determine whether there is any pathology in the uterus. Pathologies such as endometrial polyps or uterine fibroids should also be removed during hysteroscopy. In couples with previously failed in-vitro fertilization treatments, the control of the inner part of the uterus in a non-anesthetic procedure called office hysteroscopy may increase the success of the treatment.