Uterine Malformations

The womb, or uterus, is an organ in a woman's pelvis shaped like a thick-walled balloon. At its narrow end is a single opening called the cervix. This opening connects the vagina to a single smooth cavity in the womb that holds a pregnancy to full term. The cervix is the opening through which babies are born, from where Pap smears are taken, and through which menstrual blood passes.

Some women have different shapes to their uterus, its cavity, the cervix, and the vagina. A woman usually will not know this until she has a problem with pregnancies. Malformations of the womb can cause the loss of a pregnancy usually during the middle term. Other problems can happen early, such as miscarriage, or later, as early labor. Some of the causes of these problems can be repaired with good success, so your healthcare provider will suggest testing for this.

A hysteroscopy may be done. This test places a telescope-like instrument through the cervix to give a direct view of the inside of the uterus. A laparoscope, which is a tube like a telescope, may also be used. It is placed into the body near the belly button. This allows the healthcare provider to see the outside shape of the uterus. Together these can be used to choose what type of surgery is needed, if any.

Remember, a pelvic exam performed by your healthcare provider can usually identify malformations of the womb.

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