Uterine hypoplasia
| Uterine hypoplasia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Infantile uterus, naive uterus |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
Uterine hypoplasia is a reproductive disorder where the uterus is smaller than expected (hypoplasia). Infantile uterus is a disorder where an adult uterus has the proportions of an immature uterus; an infantile uterus can be too small (hypoplastic), but can also be of normal size. Both conditions can be related to hypogonadism. They may be treated with hormone therapy using estrogens or with surgery to expand the uterine cavity.[1]
A hypoplastic uterus is smaller than a normal uterus of reproductive age, generally under 6 cm (2.4 in) long, but has normal proportions, with the body of the uterus being twice the size of the cervix (2:1 ratio). An infantile uterus specifically refers to a uterus with proportions similar to those before menarche, with the body size ranging from as large as the cervix (1:1 ratio) to one-half as large as the cervix (1:2 ratio). There is no consensus on exact definitions of either term.[1] One study of 29 women with uterine hypoplasia found that their uteri were cylindrical in shape.[1][2] The length and shape of the uterus can be measured by ultrasound, while hysteroscopy is used to investigate the interior of the uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hysterosalpingography (HSG) are also used in investigating and diagnosing uterine hypoplasia.[1]
Uterine hypoplasia and infantile uterus can be caused by endocrine problems in adolescence or a lack of female sex hormones. These can delay the development of the uterus.[1] Two studies on the causes of uterine hypoplasia in the 1940s found that most women with uterine hypoplasia had endocrine dysfunction or no response to estrogen.[1][3][4] However, one of the studies noted that it was difficult to distinguish between uterine hypoplasia and uterine atrophy, a condition where a fully developed uterus subsequently shrinks.[4] Diethylstilbestrol, a medication intended to prevent miscarriage that was withdrawn in the 1970s for safety issues, has been shown to cause uterine hypoplasia in people who were exposed to it before birth, though the exact mechanism is unknown.[1][2][5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Alonso Pacheco, Luis; Carugno, José; Alcázar, Juan Luis; Caballero, Miguel; Roig, María Carrera; Mereu, Liliana; Domínguez, José Antonio; Moratalla, Enrique; Saponara, Stefania; Vitale, Salvatore Giovanni; Pérez Millán, Federico (7 April 2025). "Infantile uterus and uterine hypoplasia: a comprehensive overview to explore possible managements amidst limited scientific certainties". Facts Views and Vision in ObGyn. 17 (1): 5–14. doi:10.52054/FVVO.2024.13354. PMC 12042074. PMID 40297913.
- ^ a b Barranger, Emmanuel; Gervaise, Amélie; Doumerc, Séverin; Fernandez, Hervé (2002). "Reproductive performance after hysteroscopic metroplasty in the hypoplastic uterus: a study of 29 cases". BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 109 (12): 1331–1334. doi:10.1046/j.1471-0528.2002.01448.x. ISSN 1471-0528. PMID 12504966.
- ^ Meaker, Samuel R. (1940). "Female Genital Hypoplasia". BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 47 (1): 40–48. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.1940.tb14730.x. ISSN 1471-0528.
- ^ a b Jeffcoate, T. N. A.; Lerer, Sylvia (1945). "Hypoplasia of the Uterus with Special Reference to Spasmodic Dysmenorrhoea". BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 52 (2): 97–121. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.1945.tb07608.x. ISSN 1471-0528.
- ^ Kaufman, Raymond H.; Binder, Gary L.; Gray, Paul Milton; Adam, Ervin (1 May 1977). "Upper genital tract changes associated with exposure in utero to diethylstilbestrol". American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 128 (1): 51–59. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(77)90294-0. ISSN 0002-9378. PMID 851159.
{Genitourinary-disease-stub|}}