Having trouble getting pregnant? A uterine transplantation might be the answer. Find out more in this guide!
by Troop Atomic Mommy
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As technology advances, the possibilities of medical procedures and treatments also grow. One such procedure is called uterine transplantation. This procedure transplants a uterus from either a living or deceased donor to a female who was born without one.
The first successful transplant took place in Sweden in September 2014. A thirty-eight-year-old woman, who had been born without a uterus, received a donated organ from a 61-year old family friend.
The procedure was a success and a failure, on different fronts. After the thirty-eight-year-old was given the donated uterus, complications with adhesion began a short ten months later. Adhesions are when an organ sticks to surrounding organs and tissues. The success of the test permitted the recipient to menstruate for the first time in her life.
Furthering the cause for women around the world, the procedure was reproduced and has been successfully performed on nine other women in Sweden. And for those in the United States, the medical research continues to grow. According to JAMA Surgery, a cohort study of 33 participants received uterus transplants, of which more than 80% were a success and having achieved at least 1 live birth.
This type of success is amazing, yet, it begs the question, why don’t more women know about the benefits of this option? Why is not being offered as solution for diseased uteruses? Keep reading to learn the answers.
How Can Uterine Transplantation Benefit Women?
Uterine transplantation is a relatively new procedure that can help infertile women have babies. About 1 in 4,500 women are born without a uterus and can provide a way for these women to experience pregnancy and child birth. More than this, it can also help women who have had their uterus removed due to disease or illness.
It is done by removing the uterus from a donor and putting it into the patient. The baby will grow in the uterus, but the placenta will be attached to the mother’s (recipient) body. The recipient’s eggs will be fertilized by her husband’s sperm and put into a cord that will be connected to her uterus. Then the baby will develop in the womb, just like in normal pregnancies.
Because this type of procedure is on the horizon to becoming legal in more countries, it is worth the time to research it as a viable option as it can help millions of women around the world give birth without having to go through the ups and downs of in vitro or using a surrogate.
Why Diseased Uteruses Are Not Using Transplants?
Unfortunately, at this time, a uterine transplantation is only available to those with a diagnosable AUFI, better known as Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility. While that is the most up-to-date news on the topic, this does not mean that it will not become a perfectly conventional option for women who suffer from uterine cancer or other uterine diseases.
However, it does mean that at this time, the procedure is simply not within reach. Don’t be sad about it. When you think back on all the previous medical procedures that were only for the privileged and are now commonplace procedures for everyone, much like the open heart surgeries. Prior to 1896, heart surgery was not allowed. When it was performed, doctors refused to refer their patients to these surgeons out of fear of the unknown.
So, take heart in the knowledge that uterine transplantation is a newly developed medical procedure. And sometime in the near future, it will be quite common place.
Conclusion
Even though uterine transplants are a newer medical procedure, the benefits for women prove it is a worthwhile venture to continue pursuing. Remember, the medical procedures we’re all used to today, were once illegal and held no merit amongst medical professionals. So, keep your head up!
