Rokitansky's syndrome is a rare disease that causes changes in the uterus and vagina, causing them to be underdeveloped or absent. Thus, it is common for the girl, who is born with this syndrome, to have a short vaginal canal, absent or even to be born without a uterus.
Generally, this syndrome is detected in adolescence, around 16 years old when the girl does not have menstruation or when, when starting sexual activity, difficulties are found that prevent or hinder intimate contact.
Rokitansky's syndrome is curable through surgery, especially in cases of malformation of the vagina. However, women may need assisted reproduction techniques, such as artificial insemination, to be able to get pregnant.
Learn about the different techniques of fertilization and assisted reproduction.
Main symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Rokitansky's Syndrome depend on the malformation that the woman has, but may include:
- Absence of menstruation; Recurrent abdominal pain; Pain or difficulty maintaining intimate contact; Difficulty in getting pregnant; Urinary incontinence; Frequent urinary infections; Spine problems such as scoliosis.
When the woman presents these symptoms she should consult a gynecologist to do a pelvic ultrasound and diagnose the problem, initiating the appropriate treatment.
Rokitansky's syndrome can also be known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome or Agenesia Mülleriana.
How to treat
Treatment for Rokitansky's Syndrome should be guided by a gynecologist, but it usually includes using surgery to correct malformations in the vagina or to transplant the uterus, in case the woman decides to become pregnant.
However, in milder cases, the doctor may recommend only the use of plastic vaginal dilators that stretch the vaginal canal, allowing the woman to maintain intimate contact properly.
After treatment, it is not guaranteed that the woman can become pregnant, however, in some cases with the use of assisted reproduction techniques it is possible for the woman to become pregnant.
