Infertility is a condition in which women face difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a baby naturally. According to experts, it is often caused due to the low quality of sperm or the eggs.
However, sometimes the uterus can be the culprit behind infertility in women. Although uterine abnormalities are rare, it’s important to seek medical advice if you’re having trouble getting pregnant. According to Dr Rachel Beverly (expert in reproductive endocrinology and infertility), uterine factor infertility can be caused due to different uterine shapes.
A uterus that is abnormally shaped may result in high rates of miscarriage or premature birth. Because the uterus is such an important part of conception, women who have a womb with a heart-shaped uterus may have higher chances of losing a pregnancy or miscarrying a child.
Some women have a heart-shaped uterus, known as a bicornuate womb. Although it does not affect fertility, women with this shape have a higher chance of miscarriages and pre-mature delivery. While irregular uterus shapes are rare, still about 3% of women have one.
In this article, we are going to discuss some expert opinions on the relationship between the shape of uterus and infertility.
In this Article
What Is A Uterus and What Role Does It Play In Pregnancy?
A uterus is a hollow pear-shaped organ found in the abdominal cavity of a female. It is connected to the vagina. The two organs form the birth canal. Both are necessary for conception and childbirth.
The uterus is a complex and dynamic organ found in the female reproductive system. It is named after the Latin word ‘womb’. During the course of pregnancy, the womb becomes enlarged to accommodate the growing fetus. This is a vital part of a woman’s reproductive cycle.
A healthy uterus allows a woman to become pregnant and keeps her menstrual cycle regular. Symptoms of a uterus problem can be serious, but understanding what they are will help you ask the right questions of your doctor.
The uterus is connected to the ovaries by the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are tube-like organs that attach to the sides of the uterus. They have a passageway no wider than a sewing needle. The lining of the fallopian tubes contains hairs that push the egg toward the uterus. Once fertilized, the egg is then implanted in the uterus, where it will grow into a baby or fetus.
How Is The Shape of Uterus?
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that most women have, though 4% of women have uteruses that look more like an upside-down triangle. The shape of uterus in pregnancy changes.
It is approximately 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. When pregnant, the upper part of the uterus grows the baby, while the lower part plunges into the vagina and creates the cervix, which opens during delivery.
The uterus is one of the main components of a pregnancy. It is shaped like a light bulb, with a broad and curved upper part and a narrow neck region (the isthmus). The fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and the fetus is connected to the cervix in the lower part, which opens to the vagina.
Can The Shape Of Your Uterus Lead To Infertility?
Yes, as per Dr Rachel Beverly, sometimes an abnormal shape of uterus can result in infertility. If you are experiencing infertility and are wondering if an abnormally shaped uterus is to blame, it is best to consult a doctor.
Most women do not even know about the shape of their uterus until they get pregnant. According to Dr Anate Brauer (IVF Director), the condition is so rare that a woman is unlikely to experience symptoms until she becomes pregnant. Medical tests may be necessary in order to confirm the condition and determine whether it is causing infertility.
The uterus is a hollow and pear-shaped organ in a woman. During pregnancy uterus stretches to accommodate a growing fetus during pregnancy. The shape of a normal uterus is slightly wider on top than at the bottom. A woman with an abnormally shaped uterus is said to have Mullerian anomalies, which are problems with the development of the female reproductive tract.
A woman may also have an abnormal shape of uterus due to fibroids, which create an irregular shape that can interfere with pregnancy. A hysterosalpingogram can reveal this irregularity and identify any blockages in the fallopian tubes.
The uterus is the special place in a woman’s body where pregnancy starts . Certain uterine anomalies can affect the normal development of the uterus and the cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Some are present at birth, and others develop over time. Regardless of their cause, these conditions can affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant or conceive.
Some uterine anomalies are congenital, meaning they were present at birth. These conditions are usually asymptomatic, although some women may experience pain during their menstrual cycles. Typically, women with congenital uterine anomalies are not at risk of infertility, but it can affect a woman’s ability to conceive.
Types of Abnormalities in Uterine Shape
You may have heard of the term “abnormally shaped uterus” before. This condition is known as a uterine anomaly or defect and is discovered during a pelvic exam or ultrasound. This test is done for routine screening, and ultrasounds are used to find out whether this may be the cause of infertility. Symptoms of an abnormally shaped uterus may be painful monthly abdominal pain or even pain when inserting a tampon. Here are the common types of abnormalities in uterine shape.
Bicornuate Uterus
In this condition, the uterus has a heart-like shape as it is partially split. Women with a bicornuate uterus often have a uterus with two tubular structures. It does not unify during fetal development. Women with this condition also tend to have menstrual pain and heavy bleeding. Although a bicornuate uterus does not reduce fertility, the shape of uterus in pregnancy can affect the position of the developing fetus. Because of this, women with a bicornuate uterus may be more likely to experience miscarriages or deliver their babies at a premature age.
Septate Uterus
Septate Uterus often results in recurrent pregnancy loss. Women with this condition often have a septum between the cervix and uterus, which separates the two halves of the uterus. Women who are unable to conceive may choose to have their septate uterus surgically removed. In addition to increased risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight, the septate uterus is associated with a decreased clinical pregnancy rate. Surgical correction can improve the chance of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage and preterm delivery.
Unicornuate Uterus
A unicornuate uterus is a type of uterus that lacks a cavity in the lower abdominal region. This hemi-uterus may have a functioning endometrium but is otherwise unable to pass menstrual fluid. This type of uterus affects approximately 65% of women. Because of its uncommon nature, it can go undetected until the woman experiences difficulty conceiving. If this hemi-uterus isn’t detected until the woman has difficulty conceiving, she may develop chronic pelvic pain.
Didelphic Uterus
The didelphic uterus is a condition in which the cervix is divided into two separate halves. This condition can result in decreased chances of pregnancy and miscarriage. Women who have this condition are also more likely to suffer from second-trigger pregnancy loss, preterm labour, and a higher risk of recurrent miscarriage. The didelphic uterus is a congenital condition. Women with it often worry about infertility or the inability to get pregnant. The good news is that there are options available for women with this condition.
How do Uterine Abnormalities Affect Fertility?
Apart from the uterine shape, infertility can also be caused due to uterine abnormalities. There are certain conditions that can lead to difficulties in conceiving and carrying a baby.
According to experts Dr Brauer and Dr Beverley, the shape and integrity of a woman’s uterus play a critical role in the implantation of an embryo. Various congenital uterine abnormalities may interfere with embryo implantation and result in infertility. Women who have uterine anomalies may also experience infertility due to other factors, including a history of recurrent pregnancy losses or infertility.
While the exact causes are unknown, some research has suggested that abnormalities of the uterus may be associated with infertility, preterm delivery, and fetal malpresentation. These abnormalities are associated with reproductive outcomes in different ways and to varying degrees, and individual studies often show conflicting results.
A woman with a uterine anomaly may also experience complications during childbirth, including miscarriage, premature delivery, or a need for a Cesarean section. In addition, an abnormality may result in birth defects if the fetus cannot grow in the womb sufficiently.
A woman with uterine abnormalities should seek medical attention if she is experiencing regular abdominal pain. While these irregularities may affect the ability to become pregnant, they are not common. In fact, about 5 per cent of women who have experienced miscarriage or preterm delivery may also have uterine abnormalities.
Uterine Conditions That Contribute to Infertility
There are many types of uterine conditions that contribute to infertility. These conditions are known as absolute and relative and are attributed to a condition that occurs before conception. In general, absolute uterine conditions are not preventable and are not commonly screened for during pregnancy.
If you have been trying unsuccessfully for one year and are still trying to conceive, you may have one or more of these uterine conditions. Infertility is defined as a failure to conceive after the first attempt. According to Dr Brauer, Asherman’s syndrome is the most common uterine abnormality that results in infertility. It is the scarring of the uterine cavity. This can lead to other problems like adenomyosis or inflammation in the uterus.
Apart from that, fibroids and polyps are common obstructions of the uterus that can lead to infertility. While removing fibroids and polyps may lead to infertility, women with smaller masses can often successfully conceive. Surgical correction of pelvic abnormalities can also enhance the success of fertility treatments, including IVF.
Conclusion
Uterus is the core organ in the female reproductive system. According to experts, i.e. Dr. Beverly and Dr. Brauer, the shape of the uterus plays a very important role in conception and healthy pregnancy. Differences in the shape can lead to complications in pregnancy. Although it is rare, uterus anomalies and abnormalities can cause infertility in women. If you have trouble getting and staying pregnant, it is best to consult an expert.
