Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffA double uterus may be diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam when your doctor observes a double cervix or feels an abnormally shaped uterus. If your doctor suspects an abnormality, he or she may recommend any of the following tests:
- Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. To capture the images, a device called a transducer is either pressed against your abdominal skin or inserted into your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). Both types of ultrasound may be done to get the best view. A 3-D ultrasound may be used where available.
- Sonohysterogram. The sonohysterogram (son-o-HIS-ter-o-gram), an ultrasound scan, is done after fluid is injected through a tube into your uterus by way of your vagina and cervix. This allows your doctor to look for problems in the shape of your uterus.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI machine looks like a tunnel that has both ends open. You lie down on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tunnel. This painless procedure uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the inside of your body.
- Hysterosalpingography. During a hysterosalpingography (his-tur-o-sal-ping-GOG-ruh-fe), a special dye is injected into your uterus through your cervix. As the dye moves through your reproductive organs, X-rays are taken to determine the shape and size of your uterus and whether your fallopian tubes are open.
References
- Iverson RE Jr, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the uterus. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Iverson RE Jr, et al. Surgical management of congenital uterine anomalies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Hua M, et al. Congenital uterine anomalies and adverse pregnancy outcomes. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;205:558.e1.
- Chan YY, et al. Reproductive outcomes in women with congenital uterine anomalies: A systematic review. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011;38:371.
- Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1528/0.html. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=46. Accessed March 4, 2013.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. March 8, 2013.
- Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. March 9, 2013.


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