Diagnosis. Briana Fletcher is the woman who was diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, which only affects one in 5,000 women. The rare condition means she is unable to have children and doesn’t ever have periods.
Period. According to the Mirror UK, Fletcher first realized that something was wrong when she didn’t start menstruating around the time that the rest of her peers were. But because MRKH is so rare, doctors weren’t able to diagnose her right away and instead blamed her no-shyow period on her low weight.
No difference. “I didn't really feel any different. It was a bit odd when someone would ask me for a tampon or pad at school
Shocked. As she got older, Fletcher continued going to the doctor, and finally at the age of 16, doctors finally discovered that she was missing her uterus via an ultrasound. Fletcher wasn’t the only one who was shocked— even her doctor had never seen something like this before.
Research. “My gynecologist at the time had never even seen a case before. She said she did a lot of research to even find it. I spent a lot of time researching online after I was diagnosed but I couldn't find anything either aside from doctor notations and PDF files,” said Fletcher, as reported by the Mirror UK.
Coping. But with a diagnosis, Fletcher could finally begin to cope. As she’s gotten older, Fletcher has learned more and more about her condition, including the fact that the condition also affects the way her bones grow and her kidney functioning.
Sex. Fletcher has also discovered that having sex with her fiancé is also much more difficult, and she relies on lube so that she doesn’t feel any pain. But luckily, her soon-to-be husband Erik Meaney is understanding and doesn’t pressure Fletcher to do anything she doesn’t want to.
Lube. “I find using lube and taking our time makes intercourse more pleasurable. Same as with non-MRKH women, the vagina expands when you are more aroused so being more aroused makes intercourse easier,” continued Fletcher.
Shamed. Although she is in a great relationship now, Fletcher says things weren’t always this way. Her last partner essentially shamed her because of her condition and even told her that she wasn’t a woman because she didn’t have a complete vagina.
Issue. “My ex accepted it but liked to use it against me and say I wasn't a real woman. But I know I'm a woman whether I have a period or not, so his comments – although rude – weren't really an issue,” says Fletcher, as reported by the Mirror UK.
Negative comments. Fletcher says she’s also constantly told that she’s “lucky” that she doesn’t get periods, which she says is an insensitive remark for someone to say. But over the years she’s learned not to let these types of comments bother her anymore.
Motherhood. Because of her condition, Fletcher says she can’t carry her own children, but it doesn’t mean she can’t be a mother. Doctors have given her several options, like getting a uterus transplant or using a surrogate or going down the route of adoption.
Motherhood. “It is so ingrained in society that women must be mothers to feel fulfilled, but the more I looked into things the more I realized I don't need to carry a child to be a mother. I have the option of a possible uterus transplant, using a surrogate or adopting. I don't feel that pregnancy equals motherhood,” said Fletcher, as reported by the Mirror UK.
Puberty. According to the Daily Mail UK, women who are diagnosed with Mayer Rokitansky Küster Hauser syndrome have working ovaries and undergo a normal puberty, but they don’t get periods. As they get older, they learn they also cannot carry a child.
Eggs. Women can get surgery to stretch the muscles in their vagina which can make intercourse a lot less difficult and painful. If they choose, patients can also have their eggs taken out to be used in surrogacy.
No comments:
Post a Comment