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What is uterine arteriovenous malformation (avm)?
10 December 2025
It is a rare, low-incidence condition characterized primarily by sudden, asymptomatic, heavy transvaginal bleeding that can endanger the life of women of childbearing age.
Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) puts significant pressure on the walls of the affected uterine arteries and veins, causing the formation of varicosities, which can weaken or rupture.
Any uterine malformation can affect and alter female fertility, causing spontaneous miscarriages. Its appearance can be due to hereditary genetic problems, intrauterine infections during pregnancy, exposure to radiation during embryonic development, or the consumption of certain drugs.
Uterine arteriovenous malformation is classified as:
- Acquired: Develops from trauma or injury that damages the myometrium, generally due to abortions, C-sections, multiple pregnancies, resections, myomectomies, placental problems, endometriosis, or cervical-uterine cancer.
- Congenital: Presents vascular anomalies in other pelvic areas and organs such as the brain and skin. It usually exhibits a more complex structure, with multiple arteriovenous communications involving extrauterine vessels.
Signs and symptoms Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
The symptomatology depends on the type of uterine AVM you have, but it regularly includes:
- Intermittent vaginal hemorrhages.
- Irregularity in vaginal bleeding, which can be heavy.
These vaginal hemorrhages, being difficult to control, affect the women who suffer from them both physically and emotionally, which can trigger depression as their femininity and the possibility of becoming mothers are diminished.
Detecting and treating uterine AVM in time can reduce mortality rates. Therefore, if you present any of the aforementioned symptoms, see a specialist immediately.
Diagnosis and treatment Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
After analyzing your symptoms and clinical history, the gynecologist will perform a physical and pelvic exam, in addition to requesting several studies to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis, including:
- Blood tests.
- Urine tests.
- Arteriography.
- Transvaginal ultrasound.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Computed tomography (CT) scan.
The treatment to follow will depend on the intensity of the symptoms you present, but generally includes:
- Embolization, which aims to preserve the uterus and reproductive capacity.
- Hysterectomy.
- Uterine artery ligation.
At the Women’s Center, comprehensive women’s health is our priority. We offer services focused on women at all chronological stages with the highest standards of care to improve their quality of life, through the widest range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services.
Related centers and departments Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
Fuentes:
- elsevier.es
- ginecologiayobstetricia.org.mx
- mayoclinic.org
- msdmanuals.com
- middlesexhealth.org
- medlineplus.gov
- medigraphic.com
- Ávila-Vergara MA, Araujo-Sánchez EM, Zatarain-Bayliss L, et al. Malformación arteriovenosa uterina congénita. Presentación de un caso con hemorragia uterina masiva. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2018;86(04):272-280.
- Rodríguez-Blas AI, Díaz-García JD, Nápoles-Medina S, et al. Malformación arteriovenosa uterina . Rev Hosp Jua Mex. 2018;85(2):100-104.
- Fugarolas-Marín J, Hernández-Mendieta B, Olguín-Cruces VA, et al. Malformación arteriovenosa uterina: una alternativa de tratamiento conservador. Reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2018;86(03):208-216.
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The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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