Hannah Brown Recovering After Surgery for Rare Uterine Condition

TV personality Hannah Brown
Credit: MARK ZALESKI / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Hannah Brown is recovering after surgery for a rare uterine condition called a bicorporeal septate uterus, a congenital defect that can divide the uterus into two sections. 

People reported that Brown, 31, shared the health update in an April 27 Instagram Reel while resting in bed after the procedure. She said she had put off the surgery for a while, but decided it was time as she entered what she called her “family planning era.”

According to sources, doctors first thought Brown had a didelphys uterus, often described as a double uterus. After more testing, she said they confirmed it was a bicorporeal septate uterus. Brown explained it simply, saying her uterus was separated into two sides, which could lead to fertility issues.

E! Online reported that Brown said the condition can be treated with surgery. She also admitted she still doesn’t know if she’s ready to become a mom, but felt this was the first step she needed to take. 

Brown also thanked her husband, Adam Woolard, and her parents for helping her through recovery. People added that she joked about the less glamorous parts of healing, including a catheter and disposable underwear, while still saying recovery had been “pretty smooth.”

Who is Hannah Brown?

Hannah Brown arrives for the People's Choice Country Awards
Hannah Brown arrives for the People’s Choice Country Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday Sept. 28, 2023. Credit: Nicole Hester / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Most viewers know Hannah Brown from Bachelor Nation. According to ABC Press, Brown was Miss Alabama USA in 2018 before appearing on season 23 of “The Bachelor.” She later became the lead on season 15 of “The Bachelorette.”

Additionally, Brown won season 28 of “Dancing with the Stars” with Alan Bersten, competed on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” and became a bestselling author. 

What is a bicorporeal septate uterus?

Doctor with checklist.
Doctor with checklist. Credit: Pixnio Credit: Pixnio

ISUOG states that a bicorporeal uterus involves an indentation at the top of the uterus, with the uterine body divided partly or fully. It can also include an inner indentation that divides the cavity.

The Cleveland Clinic adds that a septate uterus happens when a membrane, called a septum, divides the uterus into two parts. Many people don’t know they have it until they’re trying to get pregnant, have pregnancy loss, or undergo testing.

Symptoms and warning signs to know

Coverage from the Cleveland Clinic shows that symptoms tied to uterine shape differences may include repeated miscarriages, painful periods, painful sex, and pelvic pain. However, some people have no symptoms at all.

ISUOG reports that bicorporeal uterus can be found during fertility investigations and may be diagnosed with imaging such as ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram, or MRI. It can also be linked with pregnancy complications, including preterm labor.

Anyone with pelvic pain, repeated pregnancy loss, fertility concerns, painful sex, or unusual menstrual symptoms should speak with an OB-GYN. 

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