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Semin Reprod Med 2006; 24(1): 025-032
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-931798
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anatomic Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Anne S. Devi Wold1 , 3 , Norma Pham3 , Aydin Arici2 , 3
  • 1Instructor
  • 2Professor and Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
  • 3Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 January 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Anatomic uterine defects are present in 15% of women evaluated for three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions. These anatomic abnormalities can be classified as congenital or acquired. In addition to pregnancy loss, uterine malformations appear to predispose women to other reproductive difficulties including infertility, preterm labor, and abnormal presentation. These poor reproductive outcomes resulting from uterine septum, intrauterine adhesions, polyps, and fibroids are amenable to surgical correction. Therefore, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis to offer an adequate treatment. In this article, we review the common congenital and acquired uterine anomalies associated with recurrent pregnancy losses, and discuss contemporary diagnosis and treatment options.

KEYWORDS

Recurrent pregnancy loss - uterine malformations - cervical incompetence - fibroids - müllerian anomalies

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Aydin AriciM.D. 

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine

P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520

Email: aydin.arici@yale.edu