Uterine septum:
What it is and what it could mean for your fertility
Is this something I would know about?
A uterine septum is something you may never know you have until you start investigating period problems, pregnancy loss or fertility challenges. It’s one of the most common congenital (from birth) differences in the shape of the uterus, and it often goes undetected for years.
If you’ve been told you might have a uterine septum, or are exploring why certain symptoms are showing up, this page is here to help explain what it is, why it matters, and what your options are.
Understanding
What is a uterine septum?
A uterine septum is a thin band of tissue that divides the uterus, either partially or fully. It forms before you’re born, during early development in the womb.
In most cases, the uterus forms as a single, open cavity. But with a septum, there’s a wall of fibrous or muscular tissue running down the middle. This can start from the top of the uterus (a partial septum) or extend all the way to the cervix (a complete septum).
It’s part of a group of conditions known as Müllerian anomalies. These are variations in the development of the uterus, fallopian tubes and upper vagina.
Uterine septum symptoms
What are the symptoms?
Many people with a uterine septum have no symptoms at all. It’s often discovered during fertility tests, early pregnancy scans or after repeated miscarriages.
Possible signs include:
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Difficulty falling pregnant
- Irregular periods (less common)
- Painful periods, especially if menstrual blood becomes trapped
- Breech presentation or complications during delivery
That said, a septum doesn’t always cause problems. Some people carry pregnancies without knowing they have one.
How is it diagnosed?
A uterine septum is usually picked up during imaging. This is especially likely if you’re experiencing fertility challenges or have had more than one miscarriage.
How it’s usually found:
Pelvic ultrasound
Often the first step, though it may not clearly distinguish a septum from other uterine shapes
Saline infusion sonohysterogram (SIS)
A special ultrasound using fluid to outline the inner shape of the uterus
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
A specialised X-ray using dye to view the uterus and fallopian tubes
MRI
Occasionally used for detailed imaging
Hysteroscopy
A small camera passed through the cervix to look directly inside the uterus
In some cases, laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) may also be used to rule out other structural differences.
Does it affect fertility or pregnancy?
Uterine septum treatment
How is a uterine septum treated?
If the septum is found and thought to be affecting fertility or pregnancy outcomes, your doctor may recommend a hysteroscopic septum resection. This is a straightforward procedure to remove or reduce the septum.
The surgery is done using a small camera inserted through the vagina and cervix
There are no cuts or incisions on the abdomen
The septum is gently divided to create a single uterine cavity
Recovery is usually quick. Most people return to work within a few days
What people are saying
Here are some anonymous reflections from people who’ve been diagnosed with a uterine septum:
- "I had two earlu miscarriages before we found out that there was something about the shape of my uterus."
- "Getting that diagnosis helped me understand what might have been going on all along."
- "We didn't know about the septum until a more detailed scan was done after IVF had already begun."
When should you get checked?
You might want to speak to your doctor if you’ve experienced:
- Two or more miscarriages
- Difficulty falling pregnant
- Unexplained IVF failure
- Unusual period symptoms or pelvic discomfort
- Pregnancy complications without a clear cause
Uterine septum Perth
What you can do right now
- Track your history. Make note of your cycle, symptoms and any pregnancy outcomes to bring to appointments.
- Talk to your GP. Ask if imaging is needed, especially if you've had fertility challenges or recurrent miscarriage
- Make an appointment with a gynecologist or fertility specialist. We can arrange the right tests and explain what your results mean
Let’s take the next step—together
Being told you have a uterine septum can raise a lot of questions. This is especially true if it comes after a long journey with fertility or pregnancy loss. But with the right support and testing, there are often clear and manageable ways forward.
- Follow me on Instagram for educational content and women’s health conversations.
- Book a consultation if you’d like to talk things through.
- Download a symptom tracker to bring along to your GP or specialist appointment. As a founder of Charli.health, I’ve worked on a symptom tracker designed to help you log your cycle and symptoms. It’s a simple tool you can use to support conversations with your healthcare team.