Many women experience repeated miscarriages without knowing the exact cause. A common but often missed reason is a uterine septum. This is a thin tissue wall that divides the inside of the uterus into two parts. It develops before birth when the uterus does not form completely during fetal growth. Most women never realize they have it because it causes no clear symptoms. The septum can reduce space in the uterus and affect blood flow. These changes make it harder for an embryo to implant and grow. This is why a uterine septum is often linked with infertility and pregnancy loss.
Uterine Septum: Symptoms & Causes
Uterine septum symptoms in women: Many women with a uterine septum do not show any clear symptoms. The condition is often discovered only during fertility checks or pregnancy scans. Some women may face difficulty conceiving or may notice repeated pregnancy loss. A few may experience painful periods or discomfort, but these signs are not always specific. Because uterine septum symptoms are subtle, the condition can stay undiagnosed for years.
Uterine septum causes in women: A uterine septum is a congenital condition that is present from birth. It develops when the Müllerian ducts, which form the uterus during fetal growth, do not fuse completely. This incomplete fusion creates a partition inside the uterus.
Complications of Uterine Septum on Pregnancy
A uterine septum can affect how an embryo implants and grows inside the uterus. The divided space and limited blood supply can make it harder for a pregnancy to progress smoothly. These changes increase the chances of complications, especially in early pregnancy.
Possible complications include:
Early miscarriage
Repeated miscarriage
Preterm birth
Breech or abnormal fetal position
Fetal growth restriction
Difficulty carrying pregnancy to term
Many women discover the uterine septum condition only after facing repeated difficulties in pregnancy.
Does Uterine Septum Cause Repeated Miscarriage
Yes, a uterine septum can cause repeated miscarriage. The septum has poor blood supply, so an embryo cannot attach and grow well on this tissue. This often leads to early pregnancy loss. Many women experience repeated miscarriages before the condition is identified. In short:
A uterine septum increases the risk of early and repeated miscarriage.
Implantation on the septum is weak due to low blood flow.
Correcting the septum improves pregnancy outcomes in many women.
Surgery as a treatment option helps to remove the septum, creates a healthier space for implantation, and often leads to higher chances of a full-term pregnancy.
How to Diagnose Uterine Septum?
Early and accurate diagnosis is important because a uterine septum is often missed on routine scans. Advanced imaging helps confirm the shape of the uterus and the size of the septum. Some tests offer higher clarity, which improves treatment planning.
Early diagnosis helps prevent repeated miscarriage due to uterine septum and guides timely treatment. Common diagnostic methods are:
Pelvic ultrasound to detect basic uterine shape
3D ultrasound for clearer and more accurate assessment
Hysteroscopy to view the septum directly from inside the uterus
MRI in selected cases when detailed mapping is needed
Uterine Septum Treatment
The most effective treatment for uterine septum is hysteroscopic septum resection. This is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the dividing tissue inside the uterus.
Hysteroscopic septum resection treatment is recommended for women with repeated miscarriage, infertility, or a large septum seen on a scan. Success rates after hysteroscopic septum resection surgery are high, up to 80%. Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies. Recovery is quick with minimal discomfort, and most women return to normal activity within a few days.
When to See a Doctor?
Many women discover a uterine septum only after facing fertility challenges or miscarriages. Early evaluation can help identify the problem and guide the right treatment. A doctor’s visit is important if you notice ongoing difficulty with conception or pregnancy progression.
You should consider seeing a doctor if you have:
Two or more miscarriages
Difficulty conceiving
Painful menstruation or pelvic discomfort
A known uterine anomaly on a previous scan
Plans for pregnancy with a known septum
A history of preterm or complicated pregnancy
Important Questions and Answers on Uterine Septum
These questions are helpful to you in order to clarify your doubts, confusion and improve awareness on Uterine Septum and its impact on women.
1. Can You Get Pregnant Naturally With a Uterine Septum?
Yes, many women can get pregnant naturally with a uterine septum. The condition does not block conception, but it can affect how securely an embryo implants. The septum has poor blood supply, so implantation on this tissue is weaker and more prone to early loss. Natural pregnancy is possible, yet the risk of miscarriage is higher. Treatment improves the shape of the uterus and often leads to better pregnancy outcomes.
2. Does a Uterine Septum Always Require Surgery?
No, a uterine septum does not always require surgery. Treatment is usually recommended for women who have repeated miscarriages, difficulty conceiving, or a large septum that affects the cavity. Some women with a small septum and no symptoms can carry a pregnancy without any intervention. The decision depends on fertility history, scan accuracy, and the likelihood of complications. A careful evaluation helps decide whether surgery is needed.
3. Is a Uterine Septum Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Yes, a uterine septum can be dangerous during pregnancy for some women. The reduced space and low blood flow can affect how the baby grows and positions itself. This increases the chances of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and breech presentation. Many risks improve significantly after the septum is removed. If the septum is still present, close monitoring during pregnancy helps detect issues early and guide safe care.
4. Can a Uterine Septum Affect IVF Success?
Yes, a uterine septum can affect IVF success. Embryos need healthy tissue and good blood flow to implant well. When implantation happens on the septum, the support is weaker, which increases the risk of early failure. For many women, removing the septum before IVF improves the chances of implantation and a healthy pregnancy. Clinics & hospitals like Vardaan IVF Center often advise correction to avoid repeated IVF loss.
5. What Happens If the Septum Is Not Removed?
If the septum is not removed, the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and pregnancy complications may stay high. Some women may still carry successfully, but many face repeated problems that delay a healthy outcome. The septum can limit space and reduce blood supply, making implantation unstable. Leaving it untreated can lead to ongoing loss or pregnancy difficulties, especially in women with prior miscarriage history.
6. Does the Septum Grow Back After Surgery?
No, the septum usually does not grow back after surgery. Hysteroscopic removal reshapes the uterine cavity, and the results are generally long-lasting. In rare cases, small adhesions or thin scar tissue may form, but these can be corrected easily. Most women retain a normal cavity after the first surgery. This stability supports healthier implantation and improved pregnancy chances over time.
7. Is a Uterine Septum the Same as a Bicornuate Uterus?
No, a uterine septum is not the same as a bicornuate uterus. A septum divides the inside of the uterus, while a bicornuate uterus has an outer heart-shaped contour caused by incomplete fusion. The two conditions look different and require different management. A 3D ultrasound or MRI helps confirm the correct diagnosis. Proper identification ensures the right treatment and avoids unnecessary procedures.
Visit Vardaan IVF Center for Miscarriage Treatment
Vardaan IVF Center offers compassionate and advanced care for women facing infertility, repeated miscarriage, or unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. The fertility experts team specializes in IVF, ICSI, IUI, and complete management of recurrent miscarriage.
The Vardaan hospital provides high-quality diagnostics and expert surgical correction for uterine anomalies like a uterine septum. With dedicated IVF treatment in Jalandhar and Amritsar, women receive safe, precise, and supportive treatment at every step. If you are planning a pregnancy or need a detailed evaluation, book a consultation now.
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