Uterine Abnoramalites

Perhaps the single largest factor in pregnancy a is the uterus. Many women find that having an abnormality of the uterus is a factor in their inability to carry a pregnancy or in their inability to conceive a pregnancy.

The Septate Uterus

The septate uterus is the most common congenital uterine anomaly and is a condition where a wall or septum partially or fully separates the uterus into two complete cavities. This congenital factor is suspected of affecting one in four woman who have reproductive failure.

A uterine x-ray, called a hysterosalpingogram or HSG, along with gathering clinical facts, is used to make the initial diagnosis. The HSG procedure is often used to detect scar tissue, polyps, fibroids or a uterus which is abnormally shaped. Treatment for septate uterus is surgical since hormones are not of much benefit in this instance.

A metroplasty, the surgical procedure used to remove the septum which divide the uterus, can be done either through a hysterscope (a telescope-like device that is placed in the vagina and then into the uterus) or via a small incision in the abdomen, called a laparomaty. There is less time involved in recovery using the hysteroscope than the laparotomy.

The success rate of this surgery indicates that about 80 percent of women who have undergone the surgery to remove the septum and reshape their uterus have gone on to become pregnant and to carry the baby to term.

For more information about Septums please follow these links:

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/uterine-septum.html

http://www.advancedfertility.com/uterus.htm

http://fertstert.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/hysteroscopic-resection-of-the-uterine-septum-is-it-always-a-necessity/

Hystroscopicresectioningof septum

SHG - SIS Study to detect uterine abnormalities

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They also are called leiomyomas or myomas.

The size, shape, and location of fibroids can vary greatly. They may be present inside the uterus, on its outer surface or within its wall, or attached to it by a stem-like structure.

Fibroids can range in size from small, pea-sized growths to large, round ones that may be more than 5–6 inches wide. As they grow, they can distort the inside as well as the outside of the uterus. Sometimes fibroids grow large enough to completely fill the pelvis or abdomen.

A woman may have only one fibroid or many of varying sizes. Whether fibroids will occur singly or in groups is hard to predict. They may remain very small for a long time, suddenly grow rapidly, or grow slowly over a number of years.

For more information:

http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/fibroids/sub1.cfm#treatments

http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/fibroids-and-pregnancy/

http://www.myomectomy.net/

Polyps

Uterine polyps sometimes cause problems with fertility - or can increase the risk of miscarriage. A "normal" uterine cavity and endometrial lining is necessary in order to conceive and maintain a pregnancy.


For more information:

http://www.advancedfertility.com/uterinepolyp.htm

http://www.fertilityfactor.com/uterine-polyps.html

Testing

• In about 20 percent of cases, infertility is due to a cause involving only the male partner.
• In about 30 to 40 percent of cases, infertility is due to causes involving both the male and female.
• In the remaining 40 to 50 percent of cases, infertility is due entirely to a cause involving the female.

There are several basic tests that everyone should have before beginning treatment:

Cycle Day 3 (CD3) blood work. This is blood drawn on the 3rd day after you get your period. This blood draw will check different hormone levels. You can check a complete list of hormone levels here

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - This is a test where dye is inserted using a catheter into your cervix to watch the flow from your tubes to your uterus. This will tell you if you have anything blocking your tubes. Here is more information about the HSG

Semen Analysis (SA) - This is your husbands/partners part in the testing. What it will check for is amount, motility and morphology of his sperm. Keep in mind that even if you have a diagnosed issue, you should not rule out issues with your husband, in fact, 30% of cases the cause is attributed to both male and female factors, meaning there is an issue with both of you. For a chart of normal and abnormal results click here

Additional testing:

Besides the above tests that everyone should have, there a a couple of other tests that you should consider, especially if your doctor feels it is needed or after all other tests are done you feel you need more answers.

Laproscopy - Check here for more information

Sonohysterogram (SIS or SHG) - Check here for more information

7 day past ovulation (7dpo) bloodwork - This will check if you have ovulated and if your progesterone levels are considered high enough. If you have a short luteal phase you should ask about this.

Diagnostic Hysterscopy - Check here for more information