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A teenager has finally been diagnosed with having two sets of reproductive organs after being dismissed by doctors on numerous occasions as just having period pains.
Molly-Rose Taylor from the UK was diagnosed with the rare condition known as uterus didelphys – where the patient has two vaginas, two cervixes and two wombs.
The 19-year-old suffered from agonising period pains since the age of nine, which caused her to become delirious and frequently faint.
“When I first started my periods doctors would blame my age and say my body is still young and can’t cope,” Molly said.
“As I got into my early teens, I attempted to use tampons, but it would fall straight out. I thought maybe it was normal.
“It wasn’t until I became sexually active with my then-boyfriend that I began to worry as it was impossible and very painful.”
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Molly-Rose was misdiagnosed four times and says multiple doctors failed to spot the 2cm thick wall of tissue running vertically down her vagina known as the longitudinal septum – this caused her to have two vaginas.
“I noticed there was a piece of skin in the middle with two holes and I felt so embarrassed. From the outside you’d never know. Even the doctors didn’t.
“Before my diagnosis, I was advised to get tested for a sexually transmitted disease due to bleeding and abnormal discharge.
“It came back all clear, as predicted. But I knew something was wrong and began to research for myself which was a challenge itself.”
The babysitter says there was a lack of knowledge and awareness in the medical practice and she had to tirelessly research online before discovering she has uterus didelphys.
“There wasn’t any leaflets for me to read or doctors who could help me understand my condition which is why it took so long for me to get a diagnosis.
After five long years, Molly-Rose’s thorough research has paid off as she discovered her condition.
“I told my GP I know what it is and was referred to a gynaecologist for an intrusive vaginal scan.”
Read more: What the colour of your period is telling you about your health
Molly-Rose requested to have general anaesthetic during the procedure which took place at the University College London Hospital.
“Within ten minutes, they confirmed I have two uteruses, two cervixes and two vaginas – I felt so happy to finally know what’s wrong.”
In August 2017 Molly-Rose had an operation for the septum to be removed. She says it would do more harm than good for doctors to attempt to remove any of her doubled reproductive organs.
“Although I may face complications when I’m ready to start a family as there’s a high chance of miscarrying – at least I can now plan ahead as I’m aware. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there,” Molly-Rose said.
“If I wasn’t persistent, then I’d still be clueless but I tend not to dwell on my condition.
“I’m sharing my story to raise awareness for other girls and women who may be going through the same.”
Source: Magazine Features
(Pictures: CATERS NEWS/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA)
