The Impact of Congenital Anomalies of the Male and Female Reproductive Organs on Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Review

Congenital anomalies of the reproductive system represent a heterogeneous group of structural and functional abnormalities affecting both male and female genital organs. These anomalies typically arise during embryogenesis and may remain asymptomatic until they are incidentally identified during evaluation for infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or disorders of sexual development. In females, abnormalities include Müllerian duct anomalies and congenital malformations of the uterus, cervix, vagina, and ovaries, such as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, septate, unicornuate, bicornuate, and didelphys uteri, and ovarian agenesis and undescended ovaries. In males, congenital conditions such as anorchia, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, ejaculatory duct obstruction, and ejaculatory dysfunction may be associated with impaired spermatogenesis and reduced fertility. Early recognition of these conditions may facilitate timely clinical evaluation and individualized management, which can include surgical correction, hormonal therapy, and reproductive counseling. When appropriate, early diagnosis may support multidisciplinary care, with the aim of optimizing sexual development, preserving reproductive potential, and reducing long-term morbidity associated with congenital anomalies. However, the clinical impact of early detection varies depending on the type and severity of the anomaly. A systematic and multidisciplinary approach may contribute to improved reproductive outcomes and better overall reproductive health in affected individuals. Further research is needed to better define the optimal timing and clinical utility of systematic evaluation strategies in this patient population.