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What Is Uterus Didelphys?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Jyotsna T , Gynecologists
Uterus didelphys is a rare condition that some people are born with. Instead of one uterus, they have two separate uteruses. This condition is often called a "double uterus".
Normally, during fetal development, two small tubes join to form one uterus. In uterus didelphys, these tubes don't fully connect, so each one becomes its own uterus. Some people may also have:
- Two cervixes (the opening to the uterus)
- Two vaginal canals (sometimes separated by a thin wall of tissue)
This means the reproductive system is basically duplicated.
How Does a Normal Uterus Form?
During early pregnancy (when a baby is still growing inside the womb), all fetuses assigned female at birth start with two small tubes called Mullerian ducts. Normally, these tubes come together in the middle and fuse to form:
- One single uterus
- One cervix
- One vaginal canal
In uterus didelphys, these ducts don't fuse at all. As a result, each duct forms its own uterus. Depending on how the tissue forms, a person might also have:
- Two cervixes (openings to each uterus)
- A wall dividing the vagina into two canals (called a longitudinal vaginal septum)
Visually, instead of a single, upside-down pear-shaped uterus, people with this condition have two banana-shaped uteri, side by side.
What Are the Common Causes of Uterus Didelphys?
This condition happens during fetal development. Everyone starts with two small structures called Mullerian ducts. Normally, these fuse into one uterus. In uterus didelphys:
- The ducts don't fuse properly
- Each duct forms its own uterus
Doctors don't know exactly why this happens, but genetics may play a role, as it can run in families. That means if your parent or sibling had a similar issue, your chances might be slightly higher.
There are no known environmental or lifestyle causes that lead to uterus didelphys.
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Get Second OpinionWhat are the Uterus Didelphys Symptoms and Warning Signs?
Many people with uterus didelphys have no symptoms at all and live healthy lives without even realizing they have the condition.
However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Painful periods (due to pressure or cramps from both uteruses)
- Heavy or unusual menstrual bleeding
- Pain during sex (especially if there's a vaginal septum)
- Difficulty using tampons (tampon might go into one canal while the other continues to bleed)
- Recurrent miscarriages (because the uterine cavities are smaller and less able to support a growing pregnancy)
- Preterm labor or early delivery
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Symptoms often prompt people to visit a doctor, especially if they're having issues with periods, intercourse, or pregnancy.
How Is Uterus Didelphys Diagnosed?
A doctor may first notice signs of uterus didelphys during a routine pelvic exam, especially if they find:
- Two openings in the cervix
- A thin wall (septum) inside the vagina
To confirm the diagnosis, they may recommend imaging tests that show what's going on inside your body:
Imaging and Diagnostic Tests
- Ultrasound: A wand placed on your belly or inside the vagina sends sound waves to create images of the uterus.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI test uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your reproductive organs.
- Sonohysterogram: A saline (salt water) solution is put into the uterus through a thin tube, then an ultrasound is used to watch how it moves.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A dye is injected into your uterus and fallopian tubes. Then X-rays show how the dye flows, helping identify blockages or abnormalities.
These tests help doctors understand the shape, size, and layout of your uterus, cervix, and vaginal canal.
What Are the Treatment Options for Uterus Didelphys?
Many people with uterus didelphys don't need treatment, especially if they don't have any symptoms. But if it causes pain or pregnancy problems, treatment can help.
Common Treatment Options
- No treatment (monitoring): If there are no symptoms, doctors may just monitor your condition during check-ups.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen can help ease menstrual cramps or pain.
- Surgery for vaginal septum: If a wall divides the vagina and causes pain or difficulty during sex, it can be removed with a simple surgery.
- Uterus surgery (rare): In cases of repeated miscarriages, surgery may be done to join the two uteruses into one. This is only done if really needed.
Pregnancy Care
- Close monitoring: If you are pregnant, you may need more frequent check-ups to reduce the risk of complications.
- C-section delivery: Some people may need a cesarean birth, especially if the baby is not in the right position or there is a vaginal septum.
At Medicover, we create a care plan that's right for you. Our gynecology experts use the latest technology and focus on your comfort and health.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Uterus Didelphys is a rare condition where a woman is born with two wombs instead of one. Some women also have two cervixes or a divided vagina. Many women don't know they have it until they have trouble with periods or pregnancy.
You should see a doctor if you notice:
- Painful or irregular periods
- Trouble using tampons or discomfort during sex
- Multiple miscarriages or early deliveries
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Frequent urinary infections
You may also need a check-up if:
- You're planning to get pregnant
- You've had several pregnancy losses
- Your doctor suspects a womb problem after a scan
Finding the condition early can help you get the right care.
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Consult Uterus Didelphys Doctors Today
Can You Get Pregnant with Uterus Didelphys (Double Uterus)?
Yes, you can still get pregnant and have a baby if you have uterus didelphys. In fact, many people with this condition go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.
However, there are higher risks, including:
- Miscarriage
- Preterm birth
- Breech presentation (baby is feet-first)
- Low birth weight
- Cesarean section (C-section) may be more likely
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)-baby grows more slowly
- Tearing of the vaginal septum during delivery if not removed beforehand
If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, it'simportant to see a high-risk obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist for close monitoring.
What Are the Health Risks of Uterus Didelphys?
While many people live normal, healthy lives with a double uterus, there are some health concerns to be aware of:
- Pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preterm labor, or growth issues
- Menstrual difficulties, like heavy or painful periods
- Infertility (in some cases)
- Kidney abnormalities, some people with uterus didelphys are also born with missing or underdeveloped kidneys
- That's why your doctor may check your kidneys if you're diagnosed with a double uterus.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Uterus Didelphys?
Uterus didelphys is a condition you're born with. This means it can't be prevented. But early detection and the right care can help avoid problems later.
What You Can Do:
- Routine check-ups: See your gynecologist regularly, especially if you have unusual periods or pain.
- Early testing: If you've had repeated miscarriages or trouble getting pregnant, talk to your doctor. Imaging tests can help find uterus didelphys early.
- Pregnancy support: If you're pregnant, regular prenatal care is important to keep you and your baby safe.
Possible Complications Without Treatment
- Miscarriages or early labor
- Pain during your period or during sex
- Complicated or high-risk pregnancies
- Higher chance of needing a C-section
Are There Any Risk Factors for Uterus Didelphys?
Uterus didelphys is a rare condition, and the exact cause is not fully known. There are no clear lifestyle or environmental risk factors. However, a few things might increase the chances of being born with it:
Possible Risk Factors:
- Family history (Genetics): In some cases, uterus didelphys runs in families. If a close relative has it, there might be a higher chance, though it's not guaranteed.
- Other birth differences: Some people with uterus didelphys are also born with kidney or urinary tract issues. These conditions may develop at the same time in the womb.
- Even though these factors can be linked, not everyone with them will have uterus didelphys. And many people with uterus didelphys don't have any related conditions.
Our Experience Treating Uterus Didelphys
At Medicover, we care for many women with Uterus Didelphys. We know it can feelconfusing, especially if you're trying to have a baby. Our expert gynecologists and fertility doctors are here to help you every step of the way.
We provide:
- Clear diagnosis with safe, accurate scans
- Tips and treatments for managing periods and discomfort
- Support if you're trying to get pregnant
- Surgery, only if needed, to make life or pregnancy easier
- Emotional support and answers to your questions
At Medicover, we treat you with kindness and care, helping you feel confident and supported in your health and fertility journey.
