This week we’re focusing on a condition that not many people know about. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome impacts 1 in 4500 vulva-owners. People with MRKH have an absent or underdeveloped uterus and vagina. The reason why the name is so long, and such a mouth-full is because it’s named after the doctors who discovered it. Other common names for MRKH include Congenital absence of the uterus and vagina (CAUV) and Genital renal ear syndrome (GRES).
Despite so many scientific advancements, the cause of MRKH is still largely unknown. MRKH is a congenital condition which means it’s present at birth. Basically, the reproductive system is one of the very first systems to develop in a fetus. With MRKH the reproductive system begins to develop, but does not complete developing.
People with MRKH have ovaries and fallopian tubes that function normally, however they don’t menstruate which means they’re not able to get pregnant. If the vagina is present, it’s often quite narrow or short. For those who want to increase the length and width of the vagina dilators can be used. The vulva (external genitalia such as the labia, urethra and clitoris) is not affected by MRKH at all and functions as it should.
People with MRKH experience puberty normally in terms of breast and pubic hair development, however they don’t begin their period which is usually a tell-tale sign of MRKH. There are two types of MRKH; type 1 only impacts the reproductive system. Type 2 impacts other parts of the body too like the spinal cord, hearing loss may occur and one kidney may be missing.
Like most reproductive and sexual health conditions, MRKH has a lot of stigma attached to it and can often have a detrimental impact on the mental health of the person who is diagnosed. It is highly recommended that if you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with MRKH seek assistance from a licensed therapist or psychologist.
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