Septate Uterus: Expert Diagnosis & Safe Treatment for Fertility

A septate uterus is a congenital anomaly where a fibrous band divides the uterus, affecting fertility or pregnancy.

A septate uterus results from incomplete fusion of Müllerian ducts during fetal development, possibly due to genetic factors.

• Occurs during fetal development
• Failure of uterine tubes to fuse completely
• Results in a fibrous or muscular septum dividing the uterus

Types include partial, complete, and septate uterus with vaginal septum, based on the extent of the septum.

• Partial Septate Uterus: Septum is confined to the upper part of the uterus
• Complete Septate Uterus: Septum extends to the cervix
• Septate Uterus with Vaginal Septum: Septum extends through both uterus and vagina

Most women experience no symptoms; it’s often found during fertility tests or after repeated miscarriages.

• Recurrent miscarriages
• Difficulty conceiving
• Often asymptomatic and found incidentally

It can lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, abnormal fetal positions, and postpartum bleeding.

• Miscarriage (20–40%)
• Preterm labor
• Breech or transverse fetal presentation
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Placenta previa or adherence

Diagnosis involves 3D ultrasound, hysteroscopy, MRI, and history of recurrent pregnancy loss.

• 3D Sonography
• Hysteroscopy
• MRI for detailed imaging
• History of recurrent miscarriages raises suspicion

Surgery, specifically hysteroscopic septal resection, is used to remove the uterine septum and improve pregnancy outcomes.

• Hysteroscopic metroplasty (septum resection)
• Minimally invasive, uterus-preserving
• Uses electrosurgical tools in thick septum cases

Surgery is recommended if you’re facing recurrent miscarriages or fertility issues linked to the septate uterus.

• Infertility or multiple miscarriages
• Planned pregnancy with known septate uterus

Yes, fertility and full-term pregnancy chances improve significantly after surgical septum correction.

• Higher implantation and live birth rates
• Lower miscarriage risk post-surgery

ICD-10 Codes for Septate Uterus

CPT Codes for Diagnosis and Treatment of Septate Uterus

Q1. Is a septate uterus serious?

Ans. Yes, it can be. A septate uterus increases the risk of miscarriage, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss if left untreated.

Q2. Can a septate uterus cause heavy periods?

Ans. While it’s not the most common symptom, some women may experience irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding due to a septate uterus.

Q3. Can I give birth with a septate hymen?

Ans. A septate hymen is different from a septate uterus. It’s a vaginal membrane issue and may require minor surgery before childbirth or tampon use.

Q4. Can you carry a baby with a septate uterus?

Ans. Yes, some women do carry pregnancies to term. However, there’s a higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or malpresentation.

Q5. Is normal delivery possible with a septate uterus?

Ans. It depends on the severity of the septum. Many women require C-sections due to fetal malposition or uterine abnormalities.

Q6. Can a septate uterus be corrected?

Ans. Yes. Hysteroscopic metroplasty is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove the uterine septum and restore normal anatomy.

Q7. What is the success rate of pregnancy with a septate uterus?

Ans. After correction, success rates improve dramatically—with full-term pregnancy rates rising to 80% or more.

Q8. Can you carry twins with a septate uterus?

Ans. Carrying twins is possible but very high risk due to limited space and potential complications. Close monitoring is essential.

Q9. Can a pregnancy survive a hysteroscopy?

Ans. A hysteroscopy is not done during pregnancy. It’s a diagnostic/treatment procedure done before conception or after a miscarriage.

Q10. Which uterus is not good for pregnancy?

Ans. Uterine anomalies like septate, bicornuate, unicornuate, or T-shaped uteri can complicate pregnancy and may require correction or support.