Septate Uterus

Also known as: Uterine septum, arcuate uterus, bicornuate uterus

What is septate uterus?

A septate uterus is a congenital (developing before birth) anomaly of a normally shaped uterus where a wall of tissue runs down the middle (extending partially down the center, or all the way completely), dividing the uterine cavity into two.

What causes septate uterus?

Septate uterus is a defect that develops as the fetus is growing in the womb. The cause is unknown.

What are the symptoms of septate uterus?

Often a septate uterus doesn’t cause any symptoms until puberty when it may cause menstrual pain that is greater than normal. In some cases, it might cause complications during pregnancy and/or delivery including preterm labor, miscarriage and breech (feet first) delivery.

What are septate uterus care options?

Surgery, if necessary may be undertaken to remove the wall of tissue.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: February 03, 2021 03:14 PM

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