An infertile woman in her mid-thirties underwent a uterus transplant in 2017, followed by in vitro fertilization the next year. In June 2019, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl. This was only the second time in the world, and the first time in North America, that a baby was born as a result of a uterus transplant. One organ donation, a team of dedicated researchers, and a room full of passionate doctors made a couple’s dreams come true. Although some might say that the birth of this child was miraculous, the delivery itself was completely undramatic and normal. The baby was born via cesarean section, and both mom and daughter are doing just fine. (1)
The Quest For Successful Uterus Transplants
Doctors at The Cleveland Clinic are researching if uterus transplants from deceased individuals can result in successful live births. The Cleveland Clinic’s uterine transplant research team is hoping to enroll a total of ten women to undergo uterus transplants. Their goal is to help reduce the number of uterus transplants that come from living women because living organ donors face health risks. The findings are hopeful, with three successful uterus transplants and one healthy birth so far. (1, 2)
Ways To Cope With Infertility
Infertility, the inability to become pregnant after 6-12 months of trying, can be heartbreaking and frustrating. In the U.S., infertility affects approximately 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age. (6) After a year of trying to become pregnant, some people opt to see a doctor and seek help. (3, 4, 6)
Medical Treatments
Most couples who experience infertility can be treated with medications or surgery, including hormone therapy and organ repair. When conventional treatments don’t work, however, couples might consider Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This includes in vitro fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), or third-party assistance. Although there are various methods by which a doctor can access eggs and sperm, during IVF, conception happens in a laboratory when a scientist incubates the egg and sperm to create an embryo. IUI, another form of reproductive technology, is often referred to as “artificial insemination.” Another option is for a third party to donate sperm, eggs, or an embryo to the woman. Each of these infertility procedures carries risks and benefits, and pregnancy is never guaranteed. (3, 4)
Adoption
Couples can also cope with infertility by adopting or fostering a child. Each year, thousands of children are up for adoption, ranging in age from under one-year-old to 17-years-old, with most adoptive couples seeking females under the age of one. Couples can choose to adopt from a variety of countries, including the United States and Canada. Unfortunately, adoption rates have been on the decline since 2004. This means more children continue to live in foster care or adoption facilities. In 2017, officials expected only 56% of foster children to reunify with their families of origin, leaving many children available for permanent or long-term placement. (5)
Uterus Transplants Offer Hope
Numerous couples cope with infertility every year, but there are ways to achieve the dream of parenthood, including medical treatments and adoption. In the wake of the wonderful uterus transplant success, researchers feel hopeful about medical technology in the field of infertility. Uterus transplants from deceased donors offer a glimmer of new hope to infertile couples. (1, 2, 3)
