For many women, the ability to menstruate and carry children is seen as a natural part of life. But for some, an unexpected diagnosis changes that picture entirely. One such condition is Congenital Uterine Agenesis, also known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. It is a rare but important health issue that affects women across the world, often discovered during teenage years.

What Is Congenital Uterine Agenesis?

Congenital uterine agenesis means that a woman is born without a uterus (womb). In most cases, the vagina may also be absent or underdeveloped, though the external genitals appear normal. This is why many girls grow up without realizing they have the condition until puberty.

When Do Symptoms Appear?

The first sign is usually primary amenorrhea — when a girl reaches 15–16 years old and still has not had her first menstrual period, despite developing normal breasts and pubic hair. This happens because her ovaries work normally, producing female hormones, but there is no uterus to shed menstrual blood.

Can Women With Uterine Agenesis Have Sex?

Yes — but it depends on how the vagina developed:

• If the vagina is fully formed, intercourse is possible without medical help.
• If the vagina is very short or absent, doctors can create one through non-surgical dilation therapy or surgical vaginoplasty. These procedures give women the chance to have comfortable and fulfilling sexual relationships.

Can They Get Pregnant?

Unfortunately, because there is no uterus, women with this condition cannot carry a pregnancy naturally. However, if their ovaries are functional, they can produce eggs. This means they can have children through:

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using their eggs and a surrogate mother, or
• Adoption, which remains a meaningful path to parenthood.

Living With the Diagnosis

For many young women, being told they cannot menstruate or carry children is emotionally overwhelming. Feelings of isolation, sadness, or even shame are common. This is why counseling and support networks are crucial. Women need to know they are not alone, and that their condition does not define their worth or femininity.

Why Awareness Matters

In Africa, where conversations about reproductive health can be taboo, many young women with uterine agenesis suffer in silence. Some face stigma, while others go undiagnosed for years. By raising awareness, we can:

• Encourage early diagnosis through gynecological check-ups.
• Provide support for affected women and their families.
• Break the myths and shame around infertility.

Final Thoughts

Congenital uterine agenesis may take away the ability to menstruate or carry a child, but it does not take away a woman’s ability to love, live fully, and be empowered. With medical support, emotional care, and growing awareness, women with this condition can lead healthy, fulfilling lives — including enjoying intimacy and even motherhood through alternative paths.

At Just4WomenAfrica, we believe that every woman’s story matters. Talking openly about conditions like this is the first step toward breaking silence, fighting stigma, and giving hope.