Experimental Biology 2011 - Uterine Transplant

A healthy uterus is required for proper implantation of an embryo and development of a fetus. Disorders of the uterus including polyps, fibroids, scarring, etc can lead to infertility requiring would-be parents to either adopt a child or consider hiring a surrogate mother.

Researchers have now been able to show, for the first time, the feasibility of transplanting a uterus capable of sustaining a normal pregnancy in Sudanese and Ethiopian ewes.

You can actually watch a video describing this amazing research!

Source:
V. Ramirez, ER Ramirez, DK Nessetti, M Messetti, M Khatamee, R Navarro, TH SHaffer, H Ramirez, and MR Wolfson. "Ovine model of functional uterine transplantation." Experimental Biology Conference, Washington, DC, 2011.

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Consider the whole female, however. Just because you can put a "healthy" uterus inside, it doesn't mean the hormonal system will allow it to stay that way. The whole is greater than it's parts; but it is great research.

Dear Dr. Dolittle,

I find this post quite interesting, because Iâve wanted to become a midwife when Iâm older. So I find this stuff pretty cool. I think uterine transplants could be a huge success for women who want a baby but canât do so because they have something wrong with them. People get transplants for other organs to help them with their lives. So, I think the uterine transplants could be quite successful.
Also, if a woman has a healthy uterus, this could reduce the amount of birth defects to the infant. As well as cut risks down for the expecting mother herself. This can make things easier on the mother and baby itself, which can change the rest of both of their livesâ. Because if she has too many complications she may have to live the rest of her life in even worse condition. Also, the baby could be born with a life changing disorder. So overall, I think this could be something women should look into if needed.

By Kirsten G (not verified) on 27 Apr 2011 #permalink

If this actually works, it would be great. People would be able to experience what they never thought they could. I'm not sure what the cost would be, but if you are dedicated and are seriously ready to have a child with a lot of responsibility, and you have the money, then go for it. It would probably be painful but it could be life changing.

I think this would be great. I had to have a hysterectomy several years ago due to medical reasons. I regret it all the time. I wish there were another way we could've worked it out at the time. I have accepted, partially, that I won't have another baby naturally, but it still is a big loss for me. I wish I could have another baby. I still have my ovaries, so I can have my eggs harvested, but it's not the same as being able to feel the pregnancy. I would offer to be your subject for experimentation any day! Hopefully, one day, this will come to fullfilment. I agree with Cammi. This could be life changing for many women.

This would really be a great opportunity for women who do not have a womb. I lost mine because of doctor errors. Am still young and would like to have more children with my new partner who so desperately wants me to have a baby. I would also give myself to help with the research.....I hope this is successful soon.

By Juliet Barnes (not verified) on 27 Jul 2011 #permalink

I would like to share with everybody interested in the uterine transplant the article that came out in the International Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology April's issue. 2011.. This article is about a history making news of how Dr, Edwin Ramirez and his surgical team in Bogota, Colombia, accomplished the first uterine transplant in history in a lamb at the University of La Salle, Univesity of Vet.
His video on Youtube.com (uterine transplant). is proof of what is really going on with the uterine transplant. The future might be in the hands of this amazing group of doctors.

By luzvelandi (not verified) on 03 Aug 2011 #permalink

i think uterus transplant is great for woman who want to have a child naturally however not everyone can afford to get one and then theres the safety issues and of course our wonderful government will have no doubt a saying in all this. im sure they will make sure the procedure is safe before any female in this country get the uterus implant.