The womb, or uterus, is an organ in a woman's pelvis shaped like a thick walled balloon. At its narrow end is a single opening called the cervix. This is the opening where Pap smears are taken and through which babies are born. The cervix connects the vagina, also to a single smooth cavity in the womb that holds a pregnancy to full term.

For some reason, there are women who have different shapes to their uterus, its cavity, the cervix, and the vagina. Women can have a variety of changes from a complete double system to just a small change from the normal heart shaped uterus.

You usually will not know that your womb is different until you have a problem with several pregnancies. This is the only time it is necessary to know the shape of your uterus. Losses of pregnancies from this usually happen in the middle of pregnancy. Other losses can happen early, in the form of a miscarriage, or later, in the form of early labor. Some of these problems can be repaired with good success, so your healthcare provider will suggest testing for this.

A hysteroscopy may be done. This test uses a telescope-like tool through the cervix to give a direct view of the inside of the uterus. A laparoscope may also be used which is placed into the body near the belly button. This allows the healthcare provider to see the outside shape of the uterus. Together these can be used to decide on surgery and what type of operation is needed. Some of procedures can be done with the hysteroscope while others may require more surgery and recovery.

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