Uterine abnormalities are treated individually
When women struggle with infertility, Andrew Levi MD, our Connecticut fertility expert at Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, considers the individual anatomy of every patient. Several common uterine abnormalities can arise throughout a woman’s life. Rarely, a woman is born with differences in the shape of her uterus, resulting in uterine anomalies.
The uterus is typically the size of a medium-shaped pear, but it plays an outsized role in fertility. How do uterine abnormalities affect fertility? If left untreated, uterine issues can cause infertility, increase the chance of miscarriage, and impact pregnancy outcomes. But Dr. Andrew Levi often overcomes these causes of infertility by identifying unique differences in each patient.
Certain uterine anomalies can arise over time
For some women, uterine issues show up later in their fertility journey. The most common are known as acquired uterine abnormalities. Symptoms such as cramping, irregular periods and pelvic pain might accompany these conditions, but some patients are symptomless.
- Uterine fibroids are growths that can impact fertility.
- Intrauterine adhesions are bands of scar tissue often resulting from injury after a surgical procedure.
- Endometrial polyps, also called uterine polyps, are an overgrowth of tissue on the uterine lining that can cause abnormal bleeding.
Dr. Levi discovers these causes of infertility with a thorough initial fertility evaluation and imaging technologies, such as an HSG or saline sonogram.
Congenital uterine abnormalities
This hollow organ is the site of embryo implantation and grows to support pregnancy. In most cases, a woman’s uterus forms in the womb, when two small Müllerian ducts fuse. However, in some cases, the ducts don’t develop properly. The uterus then takes on a different shape, resulting in congenital uterine anomalies, also called Müllerian anomalies.
Congenital uterine issues affect about 5% to 7% of women, and up to 25% of women with recurrent miscarriage. Dr. Levi, our Connecticut fertility expert, uncovers these hidden differences using imaging technologies.
While there are various types of uterine anomalies, some are more common.
- A septate uterus features tissue that partially or fully divides the middle of the uterine cavity, increasing the risk of miscarriage.
- A bicornuate uterus is heart-shaped with two cavities, which can increase the risk of preterm labor.
- An arcuate uterus is where a mild dip pushes into the top of the uterus, but it has little or no impact on reproductive health.
- Lesser-seen variants include a double uterus (uterus didelphys) and a one-sided uterus (unicornuate uterus).
Personalized treatment plans designed to relieve symptoms and restore fertility
Andrew Levi MD, our Connecticut fertility expert, customizes each patient’s treatment plan based on her specific diagnosis and situation.
If you are facing female infertility, contact us to learn how customized care sets Connecticut fertility expert Dr. Andrew Levi apart in treating uterine abnormalities.
