Objective:
To describe the most common anomalies of the male and female reproductive tracts.

 

-Do structural anomalies of the female reproductive tract result in loss of
 reproductive function?
-Are secondary sex characteristics and ovulatory function affected by
 uterine malformations?
-What is the frequency of anomalies of the female reproductive tract?
-What synthetic hormonal analog administered frequently to pregnant women
 during the mid-20th century to prevent miscarriage is associated with an
 increased incidence of female reproductive tract anomalies?
-What is the most common anomaly of the female reproductive tract?
-Are the causes of anomalies of the male reproductive tract understood?
-What are the three most commonly observed anomalies of the male
 reproductive tract?
-What male reproductive tract anomaly is seen in patients with cystic fibrosis?

 

Structural anomalies of the female reproductive tract represent a heterogeneous group of malformations resulting from abnormal development of the Mullerian ducts. The most common ductile anomaly is septate uterus. The development of secondary sex characteristics is virtually always normal and ovulation generally occurs regularly. An apparent increase in the incidence of reproductive tract anomalies in recent years may be due to the maternal ingestion of diethylstillbestrol during pregnancy between the late 1940's and early 1970's, and estimated 2 to 3 million women were given DES during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.

Wolffian aplaysia is uncommon.

 

The causes of anomalies of the male reproductive tract are unknown. The most common anomalies are absence of Wolffian duct derivatives referred to as Wolffian aplasia, failure of fusion of the epididymis and testis, persistence of Mullerian derivatives and Wolffian dysgenesis, a degeneration of the Wolffian ducts often seen in cystic fibrosis.

The Mullerian ducts can persist if there is a defect in either the synthesis or action of Mullerian inhibiting hormone MIH. Gonads and gonadal function are normal in Wolffian aplasia, Wolffian dysgenesis and persistence of Mullerian duct derivatives. Pubertal development is normal since androgen production is normal. Sterility is caused by malformation of the reproductive tract in Wolffian aplasia and Wolffian dysgenesis.

The cause of Wolffian aplasia is unknown. Wolffian dysgenesis is commonly associated with cystic fibrosis for unknown reasons. Persistence of Mullerian duct derivatives can result from a defect in Mullerian inhibiting hormone synthesis or action. Wolffian aplasia is uncommon.