December 31, 2024 • 15 mins
This episode reveals the critical connection between uterine shape and fertility, focusing specifically on dysmorphic uteri, particularly the T-shaped variant. We discuss the implications of this condition, diagnosing it through advanced imaging techniques, and exploring innovative surgical options to improve fertility outcomes.
• Definition and significance of dysmorphic uterus
• Symptoms associated with T-shaped uterus
• Diagnostic techniques: 2D vs. 3D ultrasounds and hysteroscopy
• Overview of hystroscopic metroplasty and its success rates
• Emotional support and community resources for those navigating infertility
• Importance of proactive discussions with healthcare providers
Knowledge is power on your fertility journey; keep learning and advocating for your health!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Life by Dr Pat Leading innovation in fertility
excellence.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Deep dive into reproduction with Life.
By Dr Pat.
If your uterus is really normal, why are you still childless?
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Dysmorphic T-shaped uterus.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Welcome in everybody Ready for another deep dive.
Today we're going deep into theworld of the dysmorphic uterus.
Now, this is a condition thatcan really impact fertility, and
it's something we may not hearabout every day.
So we're using a couple ofsources to guide us some medical
(00:41):
websites, and I've also gotsome excerpts here from a really
interesting piece calledDysmorphic.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Uterus 101.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
It's interesting, it's by reproductive medicine
specialist in Thailand, drPatsma Vijin Saswijit, and one
of the things that jumped out atme right away was that a
T-shaped uterus, which is aparticular type of dysmorphic
uterus.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
It's actually way more common than we might think,
especially for folks dealingwith infertility.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
It is it is.
It often doesn't get theattention it deserves.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
So to kick things off , can you break it down for us?
What exactly are we talkingabout when we say dysmorphic
uteruses, and how does thatT-shape even happen?
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Sure.
So think of the uterus as amuscular chamber, right the
myometriums, it's where a babygrows.
Now, with a dysmorphic uterus,that muscle layer, it gets too
thick, especially at the top.
So picture this Instead of thattypical triangular shape we
think of, it gets conscripted atthe top, forming a T-shape, and
because of this thickening, theuterine cavity ends up smaller.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Okay, so we've got this smaller space.
Now why is the size of thatcavity such a big deal when it
comes to fertility?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Well, because that restricted space it messes with
the blood flow to theendometrium.
That's the lining of the uterusand that lining that's where
the embryo needs to implantright.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
So if an embryo can't get comfy there, pregnancy
becomes a lot tougher.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Exactly, and it's not just about getting pregnant
either that limited space canaffect how the fetus grows later
on, leading to morecomplications.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
So for anyone listening who's had trouble
conceiving or maybe experiencedrecurrent miscarriages, could
this be something worth lookinginto.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Absolutely.
It could definitely be a factor.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Now, besides the obvious difficulty getting
pregnant, are there any othersigns, any symptoms that might
point to a dysmorphic uterus?
What should people be watchingout for?
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Dr Patanza.
He lists some really subtle butimportant indicators, like
consistently light periods.
We're talking using less thanthree pads a day.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
See, that's not something I would have
immediately thought of as auterine issue.
How is that connected?
Speaker 1 (02:41):
It seems a little counterintuitive, but it all
boils down to the size of thatuterine cavity.
Smaller cavity means lesssurface area of that lining the
endometrium, hence the lighterbleeding.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
And another thing that might surprise you is a
high hematocrit level.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Now hematocrit, that's the measure of red blood
cells in the blood right.
What's the link there?
Speaker 1 (03:00):
It is, and basically a higher hematocrit can
sometimes mean less blood lossduring menstruation, again
pointing to a smaller uterinecavity.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
So even these seemingly random symptoms can
help put the pieces together.
So how do doctors actuallyfigure this out?
How do they diagnose adysmorphic uterus?
What tools do they use?
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Well, the most common way is a 2D ultrasound, but
it's got limitations, you know.
It gives you kind of a flatpicture of something that's
pretty complex.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
So potentially missing some key details.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
Exactly so.
That's why more and more we'reseeing 3D ultrasounds being used
.
They give you much clearer,more detailed images.
You can really assess the shapeof the uterus.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Like the difference between a regular x-ray and a
high-resolution CT scan.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
Good analogy.
Then there's hysteroscopy.
This one lets you actually seeinside the uterine cavity
directly using a thin lightedscope.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Sounds a little more intense than an ultrasound.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Yeah, a bit, but it also gives you the most accurate
diagnosis.
You can see the shape, anyabnormalities, even do some
procedures right there.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Speaking of procedures, I saw that Dr
Patsama's website mentionedsomething called hystroscopic
metroplasty.
What's that all about?
Speaker 1 (04:12):
That's where things get interesting.
It's a minimally invasivesurgery that can actually
correct the shape of the uterus.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Wow, so they can actually reshape.
It Sounds kind of sci-fi.
Walk me through how that works.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
So they use that same hystrososcope we talked about,
but with surgical tools.
Basically they cut and reshapethat muscle wall to make the
uterine cavity bigger.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
So how safe is?
Speaker 1 (04:36):
this procedure and the big question, I guess, is it
effective?
Generally, yeah, it'sconsidered both safe and
effective and the recovery timeis pretty minimal.
Dr Patsama's site says they'veseen a 72.5% success rate for
pregnancy within a year of thesurgery.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
That's pretty amazing , but I'm guessing there are
still other things to keep inmind.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
Oh for sure, Even after a successful surgery, some
folks might still needadditional help, like IVF.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
So it's not a guaranteed fix for everyone.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Right, that's important to remember this deep
dive.
It's all about giving you theinfo, not about stressing you
out or making promises goodpoint understanding the
possibilities not necessarilyguarantees.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
So, based on what you've seen in dr puttsama's
research, what are the chancessomeone could conceive naturally
after this procedure?
Speaker 1 (05:18):
well.
His research shows, abouttwo-thirds of patients were able
to conceive naturally after thesurgery, while the other third
did end up needing assistedreproductive technologies.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
So there's definitely hope for those considering
hysteroscopic metroplasty.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
I know every case is different.
Outcomes can vary, but this isreally helpful information for
anyone going through this.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
For sure, but it's crucial to remember every
fertility journey is unique.
But it's crucial to rememberevery fertility journey is
unique.
That's why talking openly withyour doctor is so important,
figuring out the best path foreach individual situation.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Couldn't agree more.
We've covered a lot of groundalready.
What would you say is thebiggest takeaway for our
listeners so far?
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I think the most fascinating thing is that even a
small difference like the shapeof the uterus can have a huge
impact on fertility.
Right Really shows you howintricate the reproductive
system is and why it's soimportant to investigate
thoroughly when someone's havingtrouble conceiving.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I'm with you there.
It reminds us that even whenother common fertility issues
are ruled out, a uterus thatlooks normal on a standard
ultrasound might still need acloser look.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Exactly, and that brings us to a really
interesting question that DrPitsama raises.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Ooh now you've got me hooked, but I think we'll save
that for part two of our deepdive into the dysmorphic uterus.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Sounds good, looking forward to diving in deeper.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Me too.
All right, welcome backeverybody.
Glad you're here for part twoof our deep dive into the
dysmorphic uterus.
You know we left off with a bitof a cliffhanger last time.
You were about to tell us aboutthis intriguing question from
Dr Passama.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Oh, right, right.
He suggests that even whenother common fertility issues
are ruled out, a uterus thatseems totally normal, it might
still need a closer look.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Now I'm even more curious why would a seemingly
normal uterus raise any eyebrows?
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Well, a regular 2D ultrasound.
It might show a uterus thatlooks structurally fine.
But remember those 2D images.
They don't always pick up thosesubtle differences in shape,
especially when it comes to themuscle layer.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
So like a dysmorphic uterus hiding in plain sight.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
Exactly.
That's why Dr Pitsam is a bigadvocate for 3D ultrasounds and
hysteroscopy.
They give you that much morecomplete picture, a more
accurate assessment of the shapeand any potential problems.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
So what you're saying is, even if that initial
ultrasound doesn't raise any redflags, if someone's still
struggling to conceive, furtherinvestigation could be
worthwhile.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
For sure, for sure.
Being proactive and reallyadvocating for your own
reproductive health is soimportant.
You know, if you've been tryingfor a while haven't had any
luck, other causes have beenruled out.
Don't hesitate to talk to yourdoctor about those more advanced
diagnostic options that's greatadvice for our listeners.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Really empowering knowledge is power.
Right now, I want to shiftgears a bit.
Dr pitsama's clinic isdescribed as a digital
hysteroscopic clinic.
What does that even mean?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
ah yeah, digital hysteroscopy.
It's basically an upgrade fromthe traditional hysteroscopy.
Instead of using a simple lens,it uses a tiny digital camera
to capture these high-def imagesof the uterine cavity.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
So like a mini HD cam touring the inside of the
uterus.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
Pretty much and the benefits big time Clearer, more
detailed images leading to moreaccurate diagnoses and, if you
need surgery, more preciseinterventions and probably
probably more comfy experiencefor the patient too, right right
, yeah, the digital hysteroscope.
It's usually smaller, moreflexible than the traditional
ones, less invasive, generallymore comfortable sounds like
(08:42):
digital hysteroscopy is awin-win for everyone involved
yeah, I'd agree.
Good example of how tech isconstantly changing health care,
especially in reproductivemedicine.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
And speaking of reproductive medicine, I know Dr
Patsama specializes in IVF too.
Does his expertise withdysmorphic uteruses influence
his IVF approach at all?
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Understanding the shape andcondition of the uterus is
crucial for successful IVF.
You know, if a patient has adysmorphic uterus, dr Patsama
might recommend hysteroscopicmetroplasty before even starting
IVF Increases those chances ofsuccessful implantation.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
So correcting the shape of the uterus could
actually boost IVF success rates.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Right, like prepping the soil before you plant a seed
, creating best environment forthat embryo to implant and grow.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Makes sense, really highlights the importance of a
holistic approach to fertilitytreatment, looking at every
possible factor.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Couldn't agree more.
But you know, it's important toacknowledge that, as awesome as
these advances in tech andsurgical techniques are, we're
still learning a lot aboutdysmorphic uteruses and their
impact on fertility.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
So more research to be done.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Oh tons Reproductive medicine.
It's constantly changing.
Ongoing research is key toreally understanding and
improving treatment forconditions like this.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
So we're just scratching the surface of this
condition.
It sounds like Any other bigtakeaways you'd emphasize for
our listeners before we wrap upthis part.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
I think the big one is that being diagnosed with a
dysmorphic uterus yeah, it canbe tough, but it's not a dead
end.
With the right diagnosis, theright treatment and support,
people with this condition canstill become parents.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
That's really reassuring.
You know, something that stoodout to me is that Dr Patsama's
clinic seems to offer such awell-rounded approach to
fertility care.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Yeah, it's true, They've got it all consultations
, diagnostic testing, theadvanced stuff like metoplasty
and IVF.
They even have a mobile app tohelp patients manage their
journey.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Wow, sounds like they're dedicated to providing
really personalized,compassionate care.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Yeah, it seems like it.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Well, on that note, I think we'll wrap up part two of
our dysmorphic uterus deep dive.
We'll be back soon to continuethis fascinating exploration.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Looking forward to it .
Until then, everyone keeplearning, keep asking questions.
Knowledge is your best friendon this journey.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
And we're back everyone for the final part of
our deep dive into thedysmorphic uterus.
It's been quite a journey,hasn't it?
Speaker 1 (11:05):
It really has.
We've come a long way, from thebasics of what a dysmorphic
uterus even is to thecutting-edge tools and
treatments available.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
We've got to peek inside Dr Patsama's clinic in
Thailand and his approach tofertility care.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Yeah, and his clinic's focus on
patient-centered care reallyimpressed me.
They go above and beyond tomake sure their patients feel
informed and supported everystep of the way.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Absolutely.
That holistic approach stoodout to me too, offering a wide
range of services beyond justIVF and surgery.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
It's true.
They cover everything frompreconception counseling to
menopause management.
They even offer genetic testingand non-invasive prenatal
testing.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Wow, They've really thought of everything when it
comes to reproductive health,you know.
Before we wrap things up, Iwant to circle back to something
we touched on earlier theimportance of early diagnosis.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Yeah, definitely key.
The sooner a dysmorphic uterusis identified, the sooner
treatment can begin, and thatcan really improve the chances
of a successful pregnancy.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
So how would someone know if they should be screened
for a dysmorphic uterus?
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Well, if you've been trying to conceive for a while
with no luck, or if you've hadmultiple miscarriages, it's
definitely worth talking to yourdoctor about it.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
And what if someone isn't experiencing those
specific issues but has some ofthe other symptoms we discussed,
like consistently light periodsor a high hematocrit level?
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Right, those could be subtle hints that something's
off.
Even if a basic ultrasoundlooks normal, it's still worth
considering those more advancedimaging options like a 3D
ultrasound or a hysteroscopy,just to get a really thorough
evaluation.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Makes sense.
Better safe than sorry,especially when it comes to
reproductive health.
You know we talked about DrPitsama's success rate with
hysteroscopic metralplasty andit was impressive.
But realistically, surgeryisn't always the answer, is it?
Speaker 1 (12:55):
No, you're right, it's a big decision decision and
it's not always necessary orthe best route.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
it really should be a case-by-case decision, looking
at each person's uniquesituation, their fertility goals
and their overall health soit's crucial to have that open
conversation with your doctor,weigh the pros and cons
carefully before making a choiceexactly, and even if surgery is
successful, it's important tounderstand that some people
might still need additionalfertility treatments to help
(13:22):
them conceive.
So it's not a magic solution,but it can improve the odds for
some.
I think it's important toacknowledge the emotional side
of all of this too.
Dealing with infertility can beincredibly tough, both
physically and emotionally.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
You're absolutely right.
It can feel like a rollercoaster, with all the ups and
downs, the hope, thedisappointment, the frustration,
sometimes even grief.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Having a strong support system is so important,
whether it's your partner,family, friends or even a
therapist and there's no shamein reaching out to support
groups or online communitieswhere you can connect with
others going through similarexperiences.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
Absolutely.
Sharing your story and hearingfrom others can be so validating
and empowering.
It helps you realize you're notalone.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Right, and it's okay to ask for help.
You don't have to go throughthis alone.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
I can't stress that enough.
There are resources availableand there are people who care
and want to support you.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
We've covered so much ground in this deep dive.
As we wrap up, what's the onething you hope our listeners
take away from our conversation?
Speaker 1 (14:23):
For me, the biggest takeaway is that knowledge is
power.
The more you understand aboutyour body and what can affect
your fertility, the betterprepared you'll be to make
informed decisions about yourreproductive health.
So true, keep asking questions,keep learning and keep
advocating for yourself.
And never forget you'restronger than you think and you
are not alone on this journey.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
Well said and remember there's always hope.
Reproductive medicine is alwaysa dancing offering new
possibilities and reasons to beoptimistic.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
What a perfect way to end our discussion.
Thanks for joining us on thisdeep dive into the dysmorphic
uterus.
We'll be back soon with anotherfascinating topic to explore.
Until then, take care, everyoneLeading.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Innovation, fertility , excellence.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Life by Dr Pat excellence.
Life by dr pat leadinginnovation in fertility,
excellence.
Life by Dr Pat Leading innovation in fertility
excellence.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Deep dive into reproduction with Life.
By Dr Pat.
If your uterus is really normal, why are you still childless?
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Dysmorphic T-shaped uterus.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Welcome in everybody Ready for another deep dive.
Today we're going deep into theworld of the dysmorphic uterus.
Now, this is a condition thatcan really impact fertility, and
it's something we may not hearabout every day.
So we're using a couple ofsources to guide us some medical
(00:41):
websites, and I've also gotsome excerpts here from a really
interesting piece calledDysmorphic.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Uterus 101.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
It's interesting, it's by reproductive medicine
specialist in Thailand, drPatsma Vijin Saswijit, and one
of the things that jumped out atme right away was that a
T-shaped uterus, which is aparticular type of dysmorphic
uterus.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
It's actually way more common than we might think,
especially for folks dealingwith infertility.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
It is it is.
It often doesn't get theattention it deserves.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
So to kick things off , can you break it down for us?
What exactly are we talkingabout when we say dysmorphic
uteruses, and how does thatT-shape even happen?
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Sure.
So think of the uterus as amuscular chamber, right the
myometriums, it's where a babygrows.
Now, with a dysmorphic uterus,that muscle layer, it gets too
thick, especially at the top.
So picture this Instead of thattypical triangular shape we
think of, it gets conscripted atthe top, forming a T-shape, and
because of this thickening, theuterine cavity ends up smaller.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Okay, so we've got this smaller space.
Now why is the size of thatcavity such a big deal when it
comes to fertility?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Well, because that restricted space it messes with
the blood flow to theendometrium.
That's the lining of the uterusand that lining that's where
the embryo needs to implantright.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
So if an embryo can't get comfy there, pregnancy
becomes a lot tougher.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Exactly, and it's not just about getting pregnant
either that limited space canaffect how the fetus grows later
on, leading to morecomplications.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
So for anyone listening who's had trouble
conceiving or maybe experiencedrecurrent miscarriages, could
this be something worth lookinginto.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Absolutely.
It could definitely be a factor.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Now, besides the obvious difficulty getting
pregnant, are there any othersigns, any symptoms that might
point to a dysmorphic uterus?
What should people be watchingout for?
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Dr Patanza.
He lists some really subtle butimportant indicators, like
consistently light periods.
We're talking using less thanthree pads a day.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
See, that's not something I would have
immediately thought of as auterine issue.
How is that connected?
Speaker 1 (02:41):
It seems a little counterintuitive, but it all
boils down to the size of thatuterine cavity.
Smaller cavity means lesssurface area of that lining the
endometrium, hence the lighterbleeding.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
And another thing that might surprise you is a
high hematocrit level.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Now hematocrit, that's the measure of red blood
cells in the blood right.
What's the link there?
Speaker 1 (03:00):
It is, and basically a higher hematocrit can
sometimes mean less blood lossduring menstruation, again
pointing to a smaller uterinecavity.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
So even these seemingly random symptoms can
help put the pieces together.
So how do doctors actuallyfigure this out?
How do they diagnose adysmorphic uterus?
What tools do they use?
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Well, the most common way is a 2D ultrasound, but
it's got limitations, you know.
It gives you kind of a flatpicture of something that's
pretty complex.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
So potentially missing some key details.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
Exactly so.
That's why more and more we'reseeing 3D ultrasounds being used
.
They give you much clearer,more detailed images.
You can really assess the shapeof the uterus.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Like the difference between a regular x-ray and a
high-resolution CT scan.
Speaker 1 (03:46):
Good analogy.
Then there's hysteroscopy.
This one lets you actually seeinside the uterine cavity
directly using a thin lightedscope.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Sounds a little more intense than an ultrasound.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Yeah, a bit, but it also gives you the most accurate
diagnosis.
You can see the shape, anyabnormalities, even do some
procedures right there.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Speaking of procedures, I saw that Dr
Patsama's website mentionedsomething called hystroscopic
metroplasty.
What's that all about?
Speaker 1 (04:12):
That's where things get interesting.
It's a minimally invasivesurgery that can actually
correct the shape of the uterus.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Wow, so they can actually reshape.
It Sounds kind of sci-fi.
Walk me through how that works.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
So they use that same hystrososcope we talked about,
but with surgical tools.
Basically they cut and reshapethat muscle wall to make the
uterine cavity bigger.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
So how safe is?
Speaker 1 (04:36):
this procedure and the big question, I guess, is it
effective?
Generally, yeah, it'sconsidered both safe and
effective and the recovery timeis pretty minimal.
Dr Patsama's site says they'veseen a 72.5% success rate for
pregnancy within a year of thesurgery.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
That's pretty amazing , but I'm guessing there are
still other things to keep inmind.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
Oh for sure, Even after a successful surgery, some
folks might still needadditional help, like IVF.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
So it's not a guaranteed fix for everyone.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Right, that's important to remember this deep
dive.
It's all about giving you theinfo, not about stressing you
out or making promises goodpoint understanding the
possibilities not necessarilyguarantees.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
So, based on what you've seen in dr puttsama's
research, what are the chancessomeone could conceive naturally
after this procedure?
Speaker 1 (05:18):
well.
His research shows, abouttwo-thirds of patients were able
to conceive naturally after thesurgery, while the other third
did end up needing assistedreproductive technologies.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
So there's definitely hope for those considering
hysteroscopic metroplasty.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
I know every case is different.
Outcomes can vary, but this isreally helpful information for
anyone going through this.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
For sure, but it's crucial to remember every
fertility journey is unique.
But it's crucial to rememberevery fertility journey is
unique.
That's why talking openly withyour doctor is so important,
figuring out the best path foreach individual situation.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Couldn't agree more.
We've covered a lot of groundalready.
What would you say is thebiggest takeaway for our
listeners so far?
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I think the most fascinating thing is that even a
small difference like the shapeof the uterus can have a huge
impact on fertility.
Right Really shows you howintricate the reproductive
system is and why it's soimportant to investigate
thoroughly when someone's havingtrouble conceiving.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
I'm with you there.
It reminds us that even whenother common fertility issues
are ruled out, a uterus thatlooks normal on a standard
ultrasound might still need acloser look.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Exactly, and that brings us to a really
interesting question that DrPitsama raises.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Ooh now you've got me hooked, but I think we'll save
that for part two of our deepdive into the dysmorphic uterus.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Sounds good, looking forward to diving in deeper.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Me too.
All right, welcome backeverybody.
Glad you're here for part twoof our deep dive into the
dysmorphic uterus.
You know we left off with a bitof a cliffhanger last time.
You were about to tell us aboutthis intriguing question from
Dr Passama.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Oh, right, right.
He suggests that even whenother common fertility issues
are ruled out, a uterus thatseems totally normal, it might
still need a closer look.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Now I'm even more curious why would a seemingly
normal uterus raise any eyebrows?
Speaker 1 (07:04):
Well, a regular 2D ultrasound.
It might show a uterus thatlooks structurally fine.
But remember those 2D images.
They don't always pick up thosesubtle differences in shape,
especially when it comes to themuscle layer.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
So like a dysmorphic uterus hiding in plain sight.
Speaker 1 (07:19):
Exactly.
That's why Dr Pitsam is a bigadvocate for 3D ultrasounds and
hysteroscopy.
They give you that much morecomplete picture, a more
accurate assessment of the shapeand any potential problems.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
So what you're saying is, even if that initial
ultrasound doesn't raise any redflags, if someone's still
struggling to conceive, furtherinvestigation could be
worthwhile.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
For sure, for sure.
Being proactive and reallyadvocating for your own
reproductive health is soimportant.
You know, if you've been tryingfor a while haven't had any
luck, other causes have beenruled out.
Don't hesitate to talk to yourdoctor about those more advanced
diagnostic options that's greatadvice for our listeners.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Really empowering knowledge is power.
Right now, I want to shiftgears a bit.
Dr pitsama's clinic isdescribed as a digital
hysteroscopic clinic.
What does that even mean?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
ah yeah, digital hysteroscopy.
It's basically an upgrade fromthe traditional hysteroscopy.
Instead of using a simple lens,it uses a tiny digital camera
to capture these high-def imagesof the uterine cavity.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
So like a mini HD cam touring the inside of the
uterus.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
Pretty much and the benefits big time Clearer, more
detailed images leading to moreaccurate diagnoses and, if you
need surgery, more preciseinterventions and probably
probably more comfy experiencefor the patient too, right right
, yeah, the digital hysteroscope.
It's usually smaller, moreflexible than the traditional
ones, less invasive, generallymore comfortable sounds like
(08:42):
digital hysteroscopy is awin-win for everyone involved
yeah, I'd agree.
Good example of how tech isconstantly changing health care,
especially in reproductivemedicine.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
And speaking of reproductive medicine, I know Dr
Patsama specializes in IVF too.
Does his expertise withdysmorphic uteruses influence
his IVF approach at all?
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Understanding the shape andcondition of the uterus is
crucial for successful IVF.
You know, if a patient has adysmorphic uterus, dr Patsama
might recommend hysteroscopicmetroplasty before even starting
IVF Increases those chances ofsuccessful implantation.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
So correcting the shape of the uterus could
actually boost IVF success rates.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Right, like prepping the soil before you plant a seed
, creating best environment forthat embryo to implant and grow.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Makes sense, really highlights the importance of a
holistic approach to fertilitytreatment, looking at every
possible factor.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Couldn't agree more.
But you know, it's important toacknowledge that, as awesome as
these advances in tech andsurgical techniques are, we're
still learning a lot aboutdysmorphic uteruses and their
impact on fertility.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
So more research to be done.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
Oh tons Reproductive medicine.
It's constantly changing.
Ongoing research is key toreally understanding and
improving treatment forconditions like this.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
So we're just scratching the surface of this
condition.
It sounds like Any other bigtakeaways you'd emphasize for
our listeners before we wrap upthis part.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
I think the big one is that being diagnosed with a
dysmorphic uterus yeah, it canbe tough, but it's not a dead
end.
With the right diagnosis, theright treatment and support,
people with this condition canstill become parents.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
That's really reassuring.
You know, something that stoodout to me is that Dr Patsama's
clinic seems to offer such awell-rounded approach to
fertility care.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Yeah, it's true, They've got it all consultations
, diagnostic testing, theadvanced stuff like metoplasty
and IVF.
They even have a mobile app tohelp patients manage their
journey.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Wow, sounds like they're dedicated to providing
really personalized,compassionate care.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Yeah, it seems like it.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Well, on that note, I think we'll wrap up part two of
our dysmorphic uterus deep dive.
We'll be back soon to continuethis fascinating exploration.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Looking forward to it .
Until then, everyone keeplearning, keep asking questions.
Knowledge is your best friendon this journey.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
And we're back everyone for the final part of
our deep dive into thedysmorphic uterus.
It's been quite a journey,hasn't it?
Speaker 1 (11:05):
It really has.
We've come a long way, from thebasics of what a dysmorphic
uterus even is to thecutting-edge tools and
treatments available.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
We've got to peek inside Dr Patsama's clinic in
Thailand and his approach tofertility care.
Speaker 1 (11:18):
Yeah, and his clinic's focus on
patient-centered care reallyimpressed me.
They go above and beyond tomake sure their patients feel
informed and supported everystep of the way.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Absolutely.
That holistic approach stoodout to me too, offering a wide
range of services beyond justIVF and surgery.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
It's true.
They cover everything frompreconception counseling to
menopause management.
They even offer genetic testingand non-invasive prenatal
testing.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Wow, They've really thought of everything when it
comes to reproductive health,you know.
Before we wrap things up, Iwant to circle back to something
we touched on earlier theimportance of early diagnosis.
Speaker 1 (11:54):
Yeah, definitely key.
The sooner a dysmorphic uterusis identified, the sooner
treatment can begin, and thatcan really improve the chances
of a successful pregnancy.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
So how would someone know if they should be screened
for a dysmorphic uterus?
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Well, if you've been trying to conceive for a while
with no luck, or if you've hadmultiple miscarriages, it's
definitely worth talking to yourdoctor about it.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
And what if someone isn't experiencing those
specific issues but has some ofthe other symptoms we discussed,
like consistently light periodsor a high hematocrit level?
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Right, those could be subtle hints that something's
off.
Even if a basic ultrasoundlooks normal, it's still worth
considering those more advancedimaging options like a 3D
ultrasound or a hysteroscopy,just to get a really thorough
evaluation.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
Makes sense.
Better safe than sorry,especially when it comes to
reproductive health.
You know we talked about DrPitsama's success rate with
hysteroscopic metralplasty andit was impressive.
But realistically, surgeryisn't always the answer, is it?
Speaker 1 (12:55):
No, you're right, it's a big decision decision and
it's not always necessary orthe best route.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
it really should be a case-by-case decision, looking
at each person's uniquesituation, their fertility goals
and their overall health soit's crucial to have that open
conversation with your doctor,weigh the pros and cons
carefully before making a choiceexactly, and even if surgery is
successful, it's important tounderstand that some people
might still need additionalfertility treatments to help
(13:22):
them conceive.
So it's not a magic solution,but it can improve the odds for
some.
I think it's important toacknowledge the emotional side
of all of this too.
Dealing with infertility can beincredibly tough, both
physically and emotionally.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
You're absolutely right.
It can feel like a rollercoaster, with all the ups and
downs, the hope, thedisappointment, the frustration,
sometimes even grief.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Having a strong support system is so important,
whether it's your partner,family, friends or even a
therapist and there's no shamein reaching out to support
groups or online communitieswhere you can connect with
others going through similarexperiences.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
Absolutely.
Sharing your story and hearingfrom others can be so validating
and empowering.
It helps you realize you're notalone.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Right, and it's okay to ask for help.
You don't have to go throughthis alone.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
I can't stress that enough.
There are resources availableand there are people who care
and want to support you.
Speaker 2 (14:16):
We've covered so much ground in this deep dive.
As we wrap up, what's the onething you hope our listeners
take away from our conversation?
Speaker 1 (14:23):
For me, the biggest takeaway is that knowledge is
power.
The more you understand aboutyour body and what can affect
your fertility, the betterprepared you'll be to make
informed decisions about yourreproductive health.
So true, keep asking questions,keep learning and keep
advocating for yourself.
And never forget you'restronger than you think and you
are not alone on this journey.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
Well said and remember there's always hope.
Reproductive medicine is alwaysa dancing offering new
possibilities and reasons to beoptimistic.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
What a perfect way to end our discussion.
Thanks for joining us on thisdeep dive into the dysmorphic
uterus.
We'll be back soon with anotherfascinating topic to explore.
Until then, take care, everyoneLeading.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
Innovation, fertility , excellence.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Life by Dr Pat excellence.
Life by dr pat leadinginnovation in fertility,
excellence.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2
Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com