Double Uterus – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
A double uterus is a rare birth condition that affects some women. During fetal development, the uterus forms from two small tubes. These tubes normally join together to create one hollow organ.
In women with this condition, the tubes fail to unite completely, resulting in two separate uterine cavities.
This condition can present in different ways. Some women may have two uteri sharing a single cervix (opening to the vagina). Others might have two separate cervices, one for each uterus.
Additionally, some women have a tissue wall dividing their vagina into two distinct passages.
Many women with a double uterus experience successful pregnancies and can carry babies to term. However, this condition does increase certain risks such as a higher chance of miscarriage and a greater risk of premature birth.
Most women discover they have a double uterus during routine gynecological exams or when investigating pregnancy complications.
Signs of a Double Uterus
A double uterus often has no noticeable signs. Many women find out they have this condition during a routine pelvic exam. Sometimes, it’s discovered when doctors use imaging tests to investigate repeated pregnancy losses.
Some women have both a double uterus and a double vagina. In these cases, they might notice that tampons don’t stop their period bleeding completely.
This happens because the tampon blocks one vagina, but blood continues to flow from the second uterus through the other vagina.
When You Should See a Doctor
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice menstrual bleeding even when using a tampon. You should also seek medical help if you experience very painful periods or have had multiple miscarriages.
These symptoms might indicate a double uterus or another reproductive condition that needs medical attention.
Causes
Medical experts remain uncertain about the exact reasons for double uterus development in fetuses. Genetic factors likely contribute to this rare condition.
Family history sometimes shows patterns of this abnormality occurring across generations, suggesting hereditary influence plays a role in its development.
Risk Factors
The exact causes of a double uterus remain unclear to medical experts. No specific risk factors have been identified for this condition.
Research suggests that genetic factors likely contribute to its development, though scientists have not pinpointed the precise genetic mechanisms involved. Other unknown factors may also play a role in how this condition develops before birth.
Complications
A double uterus may affect a woman’s reproductive health in several ways. Women with this condition might experience infertility and miscarriage. They might also have early labor and delivery, as well as problems with kidney function.
Despite these potential issues, many women with a double uterus can maintain healthy sexual relationships. They can also successfully carry pregnancies to term.
