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Fertility Glossary

Müllerian anomaly

A congenital variation in the shape of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, or upper vagina present from birth.

Female fertility

A Müllerian anomaly is a variation in the shape or structure of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, or upper vagina, present from birth due to differences in how these structures form and join in early development. Common patterns include a septate uterus (divided by a septum), a bicornuate uterus (heart-shaped, with two horns sharing one cervix), a unicornuate uterus (only one side fully developed), and uterine didelphys (two separate uteruses, sometimes with two cervices). Some Müllerian anomalies are found incidentally, while others are diagnosed during investigation for recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth, or infertility. Imaging with 3D ultrasound or MRI, sometimes alongside hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, helps distinguish between the different types, since the type affects both pregnancy risk and whether surgical correction is likely to help.

Also known as: bicornuate uterus, unicornuate uterus, uterine didelphys, congenital uterine anomaly

Sources

  • ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
  • Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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