Uterine Didelphys - halving the chances?

[curly~sue]

Thought I might have more luck here regarding the science and statistic part...

I am in my mid-twenties and have just been diagnosed with Uterine Didelphys. Having done my research, I know that every case is different for every woman diagnosed, but I have now seen a specialist. I have a longitudinal vaginal septum, a cervix either side of it and from each other those, a separate uterus (one smaller than the other). The specialist also noted that both ovaries appear normal. I have had plenty of smear tests over the years and this has never been picked up on before, as it's well hidden, apparently.

I have been assured by the specialist that this shouldn't cause any problem in become pregnant and having a successful pregnancy, but having had the information sink in a bit, it's made me wonder; surely, it's actually cut my chances of falling pregnant in the future in half? If a woman with a "normal" reproductive system ovulates from alternate ovaries each month, as I presumably would, too, mine would happen in a different womb each time and therefore make it harder for the sperm to "find".

Does that make sense? I don't know if anyone here has even heard of the condition, let alone have any experience of it, but it's something that's got me thinking and I'm not due to see the specialist again to ask him. Thank you though, if anyone can offer any advice.

[Sqad]

This is an extremely uncommon condition, but you know that already.

You only need one ovum and one sperm and you are away, irrespective of which uterus the ovum is implanted. The sperm will find the ovum by chemotactic means and will go to the appropriate cervical ostium.

you problem will not lie in becoming pregnant, but remaining pregnant.

I am not an Obstetrician, but you may well find yourself with multiple miscarriages or abnormal presentations of the baby if it goes to term.

That's my lot I'm afraid.

[curly~sue]

Hello Sqad!

Thank you for replying! I'm grateful of ANY information. Really? I didn't realise that the sperm would "know" where to go. That's really interesting.

I'm sorry, but what do you mean when you talk about "abnormal presentations"?

My main worry was that it would be harder to fall pregnant to begin with, as the specialist I saw said that women whose "parts" have half fused together, giving them a heart-shaped uterus (as opposed to mine, which haven't fused at all, so that I have two) are usually the ones to experience more miscarriages, whereas I shouldn't be more prone than anyone else. Is that incorrect then? On the letter he has sent to my GP, and that has been forwarded to me, it says that I have been made aware that my condition shouldn't cause any problems in the future, except that there is a slightly increased risk of cervical imcompetence. Is that what would be likely to cause a miscarriage? It's all a bit gobbledegook to me.

On the other hand, twins are very common on my maternal side. So, does my condition increase my chances of DOUBLE twins? Blimey, I probably have a million questions. Thanks again, Sqad.

[Sqad]

curly.....go on the advice of your Obstetrician..............only "note" my comments ;-)

[curly~sue]

:o) Thanks Sqad. It was interesting to learn what I did from you. I think I'll just use them both for storage. :o)

[Sqad]

It is interesting to note, that despite many vaginal examinations and many smears, the vaginal septum was never picked up, making one wonder that one "half" of your vagina is much bigger than the other "half" and that you only use one side for intercourse, which would make it more likely that you would become pregnant if the penis entered either "willy nilly" (Pun not intended)

[curly~sue]

I should have said that, shouldn't I? Yes, the septum is approx. 2cm long and the left side is a lot smaller. Also, on the letter, it states that I have a "normal" sized uterus on the right and a smaller one on the left. So, I assume the right side would naturally be the one that the, erm, intercourse took place in. :oS

[Sqad]

That makes sense now curly....;-)

[curly~sue]

It does a bit more to me now Sqad. Thank you :o)