Understanding Uterine Hypoplasia: A Guide

A child can be born with a small or malformed uterus, also known as a hypoplastic uterus or uterine hypoplasia.

Uterine hypoplasia is an anatomical abnormality (congenital disorder), meaning the child is built like that in the womb after the uterus fails to develop properly.

Uterine hypoplasia can be related to MRKH syndrome, a condition whereby the uterus and vagina are not present or are underdeveloped. There may be other pelvic or reproductive abnormalities.

Symptoms of uterine hypoplasia

Failure to menstruate (primary amenorrhoea)
Pain in the abdomen
Small vaginal opening
No vaginal opening
Infertility

Diagnosis of uterine hypoplasia

The genitals usually appear completely normal, so this is usually diagnosed at puberty or just after, when an adolescent girl doesn’t get her period and help is sought for the reason. A pelvic examination will be performed, with blood tests done, an ultrasound conducted, and possibly an MRI to determine the extent of the abnormalities.

Types of uterine hypoplasia

You could have various presentations of uterine hypoplasia, with various outcomes in terms of fertility and menstruation.

Simple hypoplasia Uterus is normally formed, but small
Elongated hypoplasia Fundus is normal, but uterus is long
Malformative hypoplasia Uterus shaped abnormally, for example bowed or T- or Y-shaped

What uterine hypoplasia looks like in real life – outcomes

Everyone with uterine hypoplasia will have a slightly different variation from others, with different elements of other abnormalities present.

For example, one might have also a malformed vagina, while another may have every other part of her anatomy fully functional and formed.

Often the formation of what’s known as ‘secondary sex characteristics’ is indicative of ovarian function, which is a bonus. This can mean that egg retrieval is possible.