Patient's question:
Passed through two deliveries, one natural delivery without a D&C, and one D&C procedure at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital.Doctor's answer:
The uterine septum is caused by a failure in the fusion of the two paramesonephric ducts during congenital development. The incidence of uterine septum and bicornuate uterus is 5%. The uterine septum alters the symmetrical shape of the uterine cavity and may interfere with normal reproductive function. It is prone to cause primary infertility or refractory infertility. This condition is congenital, present in the mother's body from birth. Most patients with uterine septum are asymptomatic in clinical settings, while some may experience menstrual hypermenorrhea. However, most patients with uterine septum have a history of recurrent miscarriages, infertility, preterm birth, and abnormal fetal position. Some are discovered during cesarean section surgery or artificial abortion curettage. Additionally, some patients may be found to have a vaginal septum during pelvic examinations, leading to further diagnosis of a septate uterus. Even if pregnant, patients with a septate uterus have a higher incidence of intrauterine growth restriction and fetal intrauterine death. This is because the septate uterus has fewer blood vessels and more fibrous tissue compared to a normal uterus, hindering normal implantation. Furthermore, the endometrium covering the septum has a poor response to hormonal stimulation, and the septum can also obstruct normal placental growth, leading to early fetal death. If pregnancy continues, it may develop into intrauterine growth restriction.