Lera, a 26-year-old woman, shares her story of being born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a congenital condition where the uterus and vagina are underdeveloped or absent. She discusses the challenges she faced growing up, including the lack of understanding and empathy from doctors, family, and friends. Lera also shares her experiences with relationships and intimacy, highlighting the importance of mutual consent and communication. She emphasizes the need for education and awareness about MRKH syndrome and other conditions that affect women's reproductive health, aiming to promote self-acceptance and reduce stigma.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Lera was born without a uterus and vagina due to a congenital condition.
2. She was diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.
3. MRKH syndrome is a congenital anomaly, not a disease.
4. Lera has ovaries, but no uterus or vagina.
5. She has not had a period in 15 years.
6. Doctors initially feared that menstrual blood had accumulated in her uterus and recommended surgery.
7. Lera was offered the option of plastic surgery to create a vagina.
8. The surgery would involve creating a vagina from the intestine.
9. Lera was also offered a procedure called bougienage, which involves using tools to stretch the vagina.
10. Lera did not undergo the surgery and instead learned to live with her condition.
11. She has been in a relationship with her husband for 11 years and they have a normal sex life.
12. Lera's husband was supportive and understanding of her condition.
13. Lera's in-laws were initially opposed to their relationship due to her condition.
14. Lera has considered surrogacy as an option to have children.
15. She has ovaries and can produce eggs, but they are not connected to a uterus.
16. Lera has learned to accept and live with her condition and wants to educate others about MRKH syndrome.