A septate uterus is a deformity of the uterus, which happens during fetal development before birth. A membrane called the septum divides the inner portion of uterus, at its middle. This dividing septum is a fibrous and muscular band of tissue that can be thick or thin.

Women with a septate uterus are at increased risk of miscarriage. It’s not completely clear why this occurs. A common theory is that the septum cannot provide the proper support needed for a healthy pregnancy. The septum may also interfere with pregnancy in a variety of other ways. The condition can be treated with surgery which has shown to significantly improve outcomes.

It’s possible for a septate uterus to be misdiagnosed as a bicornuate uterus. A bicornuate uterus is one that is heart shaped. In this condition, the top portion of the uterus, or fundus, dips in towards the midline of the uterus. This dip can range from shallow to deep.

A bicornuate uterus does not typically affect a woman’s chances of successful pregnancies, unless the dip is extreme. There are also rare cases of a bicornuate uterus and a septate uterus occurring together.

How does a septate uterus affect pregnancy?

A septate uterus does not typically affect a woman’s ability to conceive, but it does significantly increase their risk of a miscarriage. Women with septate uteri can also go on to have recurrent miscarriages.

The rate of miscarriage in the general population is around 10 to 20 percent in women who know they are pregnant. The estimated rate of miscarriage in women with septate uteri is thought to be between 20 and 25 percent. Some research shows it may be as high as forty percent.

A septate uterus is believed to be the most common type of abnormal uterine development. It’s estimated that over half of developmental problems of the uterus involve a septum.

Women with a septate uterus have an increased risk of both miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage. Pregnancies that occur within a uterus with any type of abnormal development increase the risk for:

Symptoms of a septate uterus

Other than a miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage, there aren’t any symptoms of a septate uterus. It’s often only diagnosed after an investigation into the cause of miscarriages. Sometimes it can be picked up during a routine pelvic exam if the septum extends beyond the uterus to include the cervix and vagina as well.


Septate uterus is a genetic abnormality. It’s not known what causes it to occur. It happens as the embryo is developing. All uteri begin development as two tubes that eventually fuse and become one uterus at the midline of the body. In a septate uterus, these two tubes do not fuse together effectively.

How is it diagnosed?

A septate uterus may be seen on a standard 2-D pelvic ultrasound. An MRI can be a more accurate way to identify problems of the uterus.

After a pelvic examination is performed, your doctor will probably begin their investigation with one of these tests. In order to confirm diagnosis, they may use a hysterosalpingogram or a hysteroscopy. A hysterosalpingogram is a type of X-Ray that highlights the inner uterus and fallopian tubes.

During a hysteroscopy, your doctor inserts a lighted instrument into the vagina and through the cervix to give them a clear view of the uterus. Research is ongoing as to the role of 3-D ultrasound in identifying abnormal structures of the uterus.


A septate uterus can be treated with a surgery called a metroplasty. The procedure is now carried out with a hysteroscopy. The hysteroscopic procedure allows for treatment to be done within the uterus without the need for an outer abdominal incision.

During a hysteroscopic metroplasty, a lighted instrument is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus. Another instrument is also inserted to cut away and remove the septum.

This technique is minimally invasive, and usually takes about one hour. Women choosing to have a hysteroscopic metroplasty typically return home on the same day as the procedure.

After surgery, between fifty to eighty percent of women with a history of recurrent miscarriage will go on to have a healthy future pregnancy. In women who had been previously unable to get pregnant, up to twenty percent may be able to become pregnant after this procedure.


A septate uterus is the most common malformation of the uterus. The main complication of the condition is the increased risk of miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage.

If a woman does not wish to have children, there is no need to have the condition treated. On its own, it does not pose a health risk. However, if a woman with a septate uterus would like to have children, then she may choose to have surgery. Surgery will significantly increase chances of a successful pregnancy.