For many women in the U.S., getting pregnant can be challenging for several reasons. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis often undergo hormone therapy or surgery to improve their chances of conceiving. Others, facing unexplained infertility or blocked fallopian tubes, frequently turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to have a child. In response to these challenges, innovative treatments are reshaping reproductive health. Baylor University Medical Center recently became the first facility to offer uterus transplants outside clinical trials. Practitioners at the university successfully transplanted 14 patients, and so far, 22 babies have been born through the program, making it the world’s largest uterus transplant facility.
For the 1 in 5,000 women born without a uterus, no treatment existed for the possibility of carrying a pregnancy; however, emerging advances in reproductive medicine could offer them the opportunity to experience childbirth. Many women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a congenital condition where the uterus and upper vaginal canal are underdeveloped or absent, learn as teenagers that they will never conceive naturally. Although these women develop breasts, pubic hair, and functioning ovaries capable of producing eggs, surrogacy was once their only option for biological parenthood. With uterus transplants, these women may now have the chance to carry and deliver their own children.
Baylor University’s success reflects decades of research and global collaboration. The first modern uterus transplant was attempted in 2000 in Saudi Arabia but failed. In 2014, Swedish doctors made history by delivering the first baby from a transplanted uterus; that child, Vincent, is now 10 years old and healthy. Since then, more than 70 babies have been born worldwide from uterus transplants, and Baylor has expanded this technology beyond experimental trials.
Uterus transplants involve implanting a donor uterus—either from a living or deceased donor—into a recipient. Following the transplant, recipients undergo IVF since their fallopian tubes are often absent or nonfunctional. Once pregnant, women typically deliver by C-section, and the uterus is removed after one or two pregnancies to reduce the risks associated with long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs.
Dr. Giuliano Testa, chief of abdominal transplant, states, “It’s a complete new world” for reproductive health. With plans to perform 10 additional transplants each year, Baylor is leading the charge in making what was once impossible a reality, helping more women experience pregnancy and childbirth.
SOURCES
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/mayer-rokitansky-kuster-hauser-syndrome/#synonyms