When it comes to infertility, there are always a ton of questions and concerns. Since the first live IVF birth in 1978, there have been more than eight million babies born worldwide and many major advances in the treatment of infertility. Over 13,500 women in the U.S. are born without a uterus. There is a new, successful, Uterus Transplant clinical trial, which is now entering its second phase. This is great news for the infertility community. So, let’s talk Uterus Transplants. What is a Uterus Transplant? Aspiring mothers will receive a donated uterus, and after a year of monitoring, their own fertilized embryos will be implanted with the hope of a healthy pregnancy and live birth. How does a Uterus Transplant work? There are 5 phases involved in the procedure.
- PHASE 1: In-Vitro
Prior to the surgery, the transplant recipient will undergo in-vitro fertilization.
- PHASE 2: Transplantation
During the transplantation process, the donor’s womb is removed and implanted into the recipient. *Transplanted wombs can come from both living and deceased donors, even POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN!
- PHASE 3: Recovery Recipients will need to take special medication following the procedure to ensure the donated organs are not rejected.
- PHASE 4: Embryo Transfer After surgery, the women will be monitored and may be eligible for an embryo produced from the earlier IVF procedures to be transferred around 12 months following transplant.
- PHASE 5: Pregnancy If implantation is successful and the recipients become pregnant, they will be routinely monitored with the goal of their babies arriving by cesarean section around eight months into the pregnancy.
Cited: https://scrubbing.in/baylor-university-medical-center-offer-uterus-transplants-clinical-trial/ The Pros:
- Being able to carry a pregnancy with live birth
- You will have a biological child
The Cons:
- Uterus Transplant is a Major Surgery, which is always risky.
- Women will not be able to become pregnant without fertility treatments
Although it is still in the clinical trial phase, it has been successful with two babies being born at Baylor University Medical Center, a part of Baylor Scott & White Health. Here is a short video that takes you through one mother’s journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BfQcBwgcjk&feature=youtu.be ]]>
