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Cervical Duplication

Conditions

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Cervical duplication is a rare genetic condition in which a girl is born with two cervices. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, sometimes called the “neck,” that connects the uterus to the vagina.

Often cervical duplication occurs along with a condition known as uterine duplication where the girl has a double uterus.

Patients can be seen by Texas Children's experts in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

Causes & Risk Factors

Cervical duplication is a congenital disorder, meaning it is present at birth. It occurs when the cervix doesn’t form properly during development of the fetus.

The cause of this abnormal development is not yet known.

Symptoms & Types

In some cases, girls may not realize they have a double cervix because they have no symptoms and their outer genitals appear normal.

If they do have symptoms they are usually caused by other abnormalities that exist in their uterus and/or vagina.

Symptoms may include:

  • Unusual pain before or during a menstrual period
  • Abnormal bleeding during a period, even when tampons are used
  • Infertility or complications during pregnancy and delivery 

Diagnosis & Tests

A duplicate cervix may be discovered during a pelvic exam, which may prompt additional testing including:

  • Imaging – such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or hysterosalpingography (an x-ray with dye) to examine cervical abnormalities
  • Hysteroscopy – uses a tiny telescope, called a hysteroscope, inserted through the vagina into the uterus to view and treat areas of concern
  • Vaginoscopy – uses a tiny telescope inserted into the vagina to view the vaginal vault and cervix

Treatment & Care

Treatment is typically not urgent unless the condition causes symptoms or if the woman is pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Treatment strategies are then focused on reducing the chance of complications during pregnancy – such as preterm delivery, miscarriages or breech births (feet first) – that can be caused by abnormalities of the reproductive organs.

Girls with cervical duplication will need a pap smear performed from each cervix.