Distinguishable from an abnormality in that the outcome in the case of an anomaly might not lead to disease or disability. An anomalous kidney, for example, is in the wrong place but does its job perfectly well. The distinction between an anomaly and an abnormality, however, is loose and is not strictly observed.

Abnormality of the shape of the uterus a woman is born with (it is congenital); some uterine anomalies tend to cause recurrent miscarriages, premature labor or breech births.

A uterine anomaly in which the Mullerian ducts, before birth, do not join completely, with the consequence that there is a double uterus, in which each of the two sides is smaller than a normal uterus and receives just one fallopian tube. Diagnosed by hysterosalpingogram, by hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, or by transvaginal ultrasound (preferably three-dimensional ultrasound).

An adjective meaning that something, especially an abnormality or anomaly, is present from birth. The cause for such a condition can be hereditary (genetic) or it can be an environmental factor operating before birth.

A uterine anomaly that comes about when the uterus forms (in the embryo) from just one Mullerian duct; the uterus will be a little smaller than normal (making a miscarriage or premature labor more likely), and will be connected by a fallopian tube to just one ovary, contributing slightly to infertility (since, on average, only half of ovulations have a chance of resulting in pregnancy). Reproduction, however, can be normal, and a woman might go through life with a unicornuate uterus and not know it. Diagnosed by hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, by hysterosalpingogram or -- particularly effectively -- by three-dimensional ultrasound. Often there is a simultaneous abnormality of the kidneys, such as one kidney instead of two, diagnosable by abdominal ultrasound or, more specifically, by a special kidney x-ray study called an intravenous pyelogram.