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What Is Uterus Didelphys?
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Uterus Didelphys, or a double uterus, is a rare condition that occurs in female fetuses as they develop in the womb. Normally, two tubes called Mullerian ducts are fused together to create a single uterus, but occasionally these two tubes fail to join. When this happens, two separate uteri form, usually with double cervices and double vaginas as well. They are both fully functioning uteri, and some women with this condition have given birth to twins who were each housed in a separate uterus. This means it is possible to deliver babies several days or weeks apart, though many with multiple births opt for scheduled cesarean sections.
The cause of this anomaly is not known and there are often no symptoms present, so many women never even know they have uterus didelphys. Other women may have abnormal pain during menses, and some will have reproductive and pregnancy issues. If uterus didelphys is suspected, a doctor will perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, if a double vagina and double cervix are present, doctors may order other tests to assess the condition of the uteri. Diagnostic procedures used to view the uterus include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hysterosalpingography, which is a cumbersome label for a procedure that involves injecting a dye into the uterus and taking special x-rays.
If no symptoms are present and there are no complications with fertility and pregnancy, then uterus didelphys does not require any treatment. Sometimes women with this condition will have pregnancy complications due to the smaller size each uterus. Miscarriage, infertility, and delivery issues are all possibilities. Breech births are especially common for women with uterus didelphys, and many end up having cesarean sections. Doctors are loathe to perform surgery to correct this condition, as the symptoms do not typically warrant the risk of surgery. However, if it's only a thin layer separating the uteri, and a fetus is at risk, doctors may remove the barrier.
The most important thing for pregnant women with uterus didelphys to remember is that the condition puts one in the high-risk pregnancy category. This means all the normal safety precautions associated with any pregnancy should be tightly adhered to, and doctor's orders should be closely followed to avoid miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and premature birth. An incompetent cervix is one of the factors that contributes to premature labor, so it is essential that women have the cervix checked often in the latter portion of a pregnancy.
Symptoms of Uterus Didelphys
It’s possible to have uterus didelphys and not know it before visiting a gynecologist. Unusual or intense pain doesn’t always result from the condition.
Women with two vaginas might go to the doctor when they bleed excessively during menstruation. They’ve most likely used one tampon in one vagina without knowing that blood is coming from a second uterus or possible second vaginal opening.
Women with uterus didelphys might also experience severe pain and cramps before and during their period. It can also make sex painful. However, since they’ve had this condition since birth, many women find it normal and don’t think to question the root issue.
In fact, some women may think that they have ovarian cysts or endometriosis instead. There is some overlap in possible symptoms, such as painful periods, difficulty becoming pregnant or keeping a pregnancy, pain during sex, and heavy bleeding during a menstrual cycle.
Uterus Didelphys Diagnosis
Since there are frequently no symptoms of uterus didelphys, you might find out you have it after you have a pelvic exam or visit the doctor due to difficulties carrying out a pregnancy.
Your gynecologist will notice two uteruses during a pelvic exam. They’ll likely recommend an ultrasound or MRI for further testing. For uterus didelphys, there are two additional types of tests: a Sonohysterogram and Hysterosalpingography.
A Sonohysterogram is similar to an ultrasound but requires the doctor to inject fluid into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. Hysterosalpingography involves injecting dye into the uterus to help it appear on X-rays.
These tests will help your doctor see the size and shape of your uterus. They’ll understand how much your Mullerian ducts grew together, if at all. After seeing your uterus in these test results, they can advise you on issues with having a successful pregnancy.
Medical professionals can also suggest treatment to alleviate any pain you might experience due to uterus didelphys.
Uterus Didelphys Complications
Some think this failure of Mullerian duct merging is a genetic condition. With that in mind, it’s possible for babies with only one kidney or small kidneys also to have uterus didelphys or other sex organ irregularities.
As a result of Mullerian duct problems, some women develop Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome. It can cause pelvic and abdominal pain. In women who also have a double vagina, this syndrome can block one side and cause further complications, including ipsilateral renal agenesis and obstructed hemivagina. Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome can result in renal and mullerian anomalies.
Women with uterus didelphys are more likely to have a congenital vesicovaginal fistula (CVVF). A CVVF is an opening between your bladder and vagina. Urine leaks from the bladder and into your vagina, causing incontinence. It can also lead to side effects like fever, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss. It won’t heal on its own, so you’ll need medical intervention.
Another bladder complication relating to uterus didelphys is bladder exstrophy. The condition can vary in severity. In some instances, the bladder forms outside of the fetus and can’t function normally.
In other occurrences, the bladder isn’t round, as it should be, so it can cause incontinence. It can also cause two bladders to form. Doctors can often spot this condition on an ultrasound, but it requires surgery to correct.
If you have uterus didelphys, you’re more likely to experience other pregnancy complications. Women with uterus didelphys might have a spontaneous abortion, premature labor, breech birth, or decreased live births.
Uterus Didelphys Treatment
Surgery is rarely a recommended treatment for uterus didelphys. If the patient has trouble carrying out a pregnancy, some surgeons might suggest uniting the uterus if there’s only a partial division between the Mullerian ducts.
There must be no other potential cause of the pregnancy losses, either, because those might be easier to treat than going through surgery.
Since there’s a good chance you won’t experience any painful side effects of uterus didelphys, you might be able to avoid seeking treatment. Many women with this condition still have healthy sex lives and pregnancies.
However, if you have a double vagina as well as a double uterus, your doctor may suggest removing the division between the two. This can make giving birth vaginally much easier and may help you avoid an unnecessary C-section.
Hillary Flynn
Joining the TheHealthBoard team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.
Learn more...
Hillary Flynn
Joining the TheHealthBoard team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.
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![A doctor can diagnose uterus didelphys.]()
By: Zsolnai GergelyA doctor can diagnose uterus didelphys. -
![Normally, two tubes fuse together to make a single uterus.]()
By: Alila Medical MediaNormally, two tubes fuse together to make a single uterus. -
![Doctors will perform a pelvic exam if they suspect a woman has uterus didelphys.]()
By: Zsolnai GergelyDoctors will perform a pelvic exam if they suspect a woman has uterus didelphys. -
![Women with uterus didelphys have an increase risk of premature labor.]()
By: Trish23Women with uterus didelphys have an increase risk of premature labor. -
![A uterus didelphys increases the chances of a planned C-section.]()
By: Anton BooysenA uterus didelphys increases the chances of a planned C-section.
Discussion Comments
I have uterine didelphys with a deviated septum. I was told this at about 16 years old by my dr and I had to go that early because of the severe bleeding/clotting and cramps during my cycle. He told me not to use tampons in either side and suggested I get on the pill, but I did not at that time.
I finally had a daughter when I was 35 (she's now 5) and it was a "high risk pregnancy," with weekly visits to the specialist up until 37 weeks and biweekly visits to my OB/GYN. My OB/GYN took her by C-section at 38 weeks.
After having my daughter, the severe bleeding/clotting with cramps during my cycle returned. I was not able to get the shot because of the uterine didelphys so she researched and put me on the pill. Oh, my gosh! Being on birth control is something I should have done years ago. I have only been on birth control for a year, but I rarely even have a cycle now and if I do it is so light and maybe three days.
I am just 32 and I have uterus didelphys. My period is normally O.K. Is it possible for me to get pregnant?
This is a question for those women who found out in their teens. I have a daughter who is 15 years old. We found out she has uterine didelphys by ultrasound and MRI. No treatment is needed at this time. Should we tell her about this or hold off until she is older? That way she won't feel she is "different" and might handle it better later. Thank you.
I am a mother of a daughter that is 15 years old. She was diagnosed with uterine didelphis by ultrasound and MRI. I am wondering from those of you that found out at an early age, should I tell my daughter this now or wait until she is older. There is no treatment that is necessary and I don't want her to feel she is abnormal. Would you want to know if you were 15 years old? Thanks
I also have uterus didelphys, and I am currently 36 weeks pregnant. My obg/yn said I can deliver normally, but there is a chance my septate can be torn during delivery. Just about every case I've read in blogs involve c-sections. Has anyone had the experience of delivering vaginally with the septum still intact?
I never had it removed because it has never been a problem, and I was told I would never get pregnant because of my "issue", and now I am very worried about whether to have a c-section or deliver normally. My ob/gyn basically said it was up to me, and I am her first case of a didelphic uterus, so it really concerns me! Help please.
I am 41 years old and 35 weeks pregnant. I have uterus didelphys with a double cervix. I have lost three babies, all between five and seven weeks, and this is the first time I am this close.
I just wanted to send this as hope to those still struggling with the "you may never have children" from various people. Just stay hopeful. I had to ponder this until I saw posts like this to encourage me that anything is possible.
I am nervous about the actual birth and the implications having a double cervix may have while I am in labor, so some of this dialogue has helped me have faith for my upcoming delivery. Thanks.
I have uterus didelphys as well. I have two cervix, two uteri, but no double vagina. I have been wanting to get pregnant but am so worried that I won't be able to. My love and I have been having unprotected sex for a whole year. Also, to the women who have been pregnant, do your tummies looks like normal tummies because of the one uterus that is carrying the baby?
I'm sure each case is different, but I gave birth to two healthy children (now 20 and 22 years old). I'm sure with the advances in medicine now that with the right monitoring, many women with this condition could safely give birth. Mine were both cesarean. The medical students in the hospital were all asking for permission to watch the procedure so they could see the double organs! I was fine with it, hoping they could perhaps learn something.
I did have a D and C after my baby had no heartbeat at 10 weeks. They performed the procedure in both uteri and it went well. I went on to have a healthy baby girl.
Has anyone had a d and c with having a double uterus? Just came from the doctor and no fetal heart beat. I'm worried about procedure and my health.
I'm 20, with uterus didelphys. I was diagnosed at 12 years old from double periods. I got pregnant at 16 with my first daughter. She was full term but breech and I had her via c-section.
After having her, I went on depo provera and spotted the whole time until I was 18 and decided to have another baby with my boyfriend. I got pregnant very easily, carried to 37 weeks and had a c-section delivery because she weighed too much and the doctor didn't think it would be safe to push her out.
A few months ago I had yet another baby (he was quite the surprise). He was also born at 37 weeks because of pre-eclampsia. My babies ranged from six pounds to nine pounds, and my son was 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
I'd say I was able to get pregnant very easily- all in my left uterus. I have only one vagina, which then branches off to two uteri and two cervices. Since having my second child my period regulated and even now after my son's birth, my period is at a 35 day cycle.
I was diagnosed with Uterine Didelphys, two cervixes and a vaginal septum and a duplex renal system when I was about 11 years old. I don't have two separate periods though; they come together. I was told that I may never get to have children and that I would probably suffer numerous miscarriages.
I did go on to have a healthy baby boy delivered via c-section at 36.5 weeks from the right side. We have been trying for another baby for the past five years and I did suffer a miscarriage at 10 weeks, 19 months ago. However I am now currently 27 weeks pregnant with a little girl, in the left side. I am nervous, however everything seems to be going well. It has been a long and sometimes painful journey, but well worth it!
i am 23 years old and i found out i had uterus didelphys when i was pregnant at 17 with my daughter. i was never told anything about it. i had to research it myself and this has been only recently. i have had a miscarriage since my daughter, and thanks to people's posts on here, i am not so worried about not being able to have any more because you all seem to have.
I'm also on the depo shot for contraception and it's brilliant. i have not had any periods although i have had a bit of one for a day then it goes away. i was also wondering if anyone knows of any support groups for uterus didelphys?
I also have a didelphic uterus. I now have a three year old son. He was a full term pregnancy but I had to have c-section because he was in the breech position. He came out weighing 8lbs. 3 ozs. I am now seven weeks pregnant with my second child. I am just hoping that this pregnancy goes as smoothly as my first.
I have a didelphic uterus. i am 23 and i have just found it out, my doc told me that it is two of everything, but one set of ovaries one for each uterus.
Can someone help me? is there a way for me to get pregnant naturally? it took a bit to get used to the fact that i have two, but the possibility that i might not have kids is heartbreaking.
i have uterus didelphys. the condition itself does not mean pregnancy is impossible. the physical size of the uteri will determine. often times one is bigger than the other and IVF may be needed to get the embryo in the "right" uterus. in my case both are exactly the same size. get a second opinion regarding the possibility of pregnancy. premature birth is a risk too, but a good fertility doctor can make sense of this to anyone who is worried!
I found out that i had two cervixes after I lost my first baby. However now I have a beautiful healthy baby boy who is 6 months old. They were worried I would have him earlier but he held on till I was 37 weeks. The pregnancy was scary but there were no problems at all. The only bad part is I will always have to have a c-section.
My partner has two uterus and cervix but a single vagina. we had no problems with conception, however her first pregnancy has been nothing but eventful! we found out that she had a didelphys uterus at 22 weeks on an MRI. she is now 32 weeks pregnant and has been bleeding constantly every day from the second uterus (one without the baby) since 18 weeks. the second uterus has also gone into 'labor' twice now both times with contractions lasting for 10-plus hours (well we are well practised with the drill now I guess).
Luckily, throughout the whole pregnancy the baby in the first uterus has been totally oblivious and continues to do well.
I found out I had two uterus two cervix and the septum in my vagina just last year. I was able to get pregnant no prob. I'm 14 weeks and have had no complications so far but i do worry when it gets closer to deliver what will happen. Sex was uncomfortable at first but i found my way around the septum.
I found out at 18 years old, when I had my first miscarriage, that I had uterine didelphys. After another miscarriage and years of trying to get pregnant, I am now 32 weeks pregnant and have has no complications so far.I too would have problems with having two periods a month or sometimes not at all. The Nuva ring worked well for me despite the vaginal septum.
I have a true uterus didelphys and one kidney which was discovered when I was an infant. I was told as a teenager I would never get pregnant in the right uterus and chances for the left were very slim.
When I was 21 years old, I gave birth via C-section to a healthy, full term baby girl on the right side! My husband and I have been trying for the last 4.5 years for another. We've had two miscarriages (one on each side) and now I'm almost seven months pregnant on the left side. Keeping my fingers crossed.
The lesson I've learned is it may be difficult and take tremendous patience, but there is hope and the doctors aren't always correct. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. That's all you can do.
i have a uterus didelphys with one miscarriage and two kids. It seems like from my first i just keep having babies every year. Does having a didelphys uterus cause problems during sex?
I have a uterus dydelphis, two cervixes and vaginal septum. I'm already 38 years old still no baby. Please help. i don't know what to do.
I had didelphys uterus and two cervixes and had a beautiful boy. My infertility doctor attempted to remove the septum but was successful, however immediately after the procedure I was pregnant! I have had two miscarriages since but there is hope. you should ask for a second opinion. it is possible to have a baby. --BXVS
I have uterus didelphys and i have two cervix and vagina septum also. The doctor said there is no possibility for me to get pregnant. now i am so sad. please clarify if there is any chance for me to be pregnant.
i also have a uterus dydelphis. Don't worry about it. It's been a normal thing for me to have a double period. i have had two successful pregnancies and one miscarriage. one method of birth control i have used is the shot which is called the depo pervera and also the rods they insert in your arm for five years.
It's been great, plus no more double periods so don't worry. There still is hope.
I went to get on birth control and the doctor told me that i had two vaginas but she couldn't think of what the term was for it. i searched it on the web and i came up with uterus didelphys. I am on birth control but I've had two periods in two different months but not back to back. could that be because of having two uteruses or something?
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