Uterus Transplantation: A Rapidly Expanding Field

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Transplantation Surgery
• Infertility Treatment

Background:

• Absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) affects 3-5% of women due to congenital or acquired uterine conditions.
• Existing alternatives like surrogacy face legal, ethical, and religious barriers globally.
• Uterus transplantation (UTx) has emerged as a viable, preferred option for women with AUFI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an update on clinical uterus transplantation (UTx) activities.
• To summarize the achievements and challenges in UTx for absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI).
• To identify and propose key areas for future clinical and basic research in UTx.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and recent clinical uterus transplantation (UTx) cases.
• Analysis of patient outcomes, including live births and complications.
• Survey data analysis on patient preference for UTx versus surrogacy and adoption.

Main Results:

• The first live donor UTx in 2014 resulted in a healthy baby, demonstrating feasibility.
• UTx shows high acceptance rates among women with AUFI, often preferred over surrogacy.
• Ongoing research continues to define best practices and address challenges in UTx.

Conclusions:

• Uterus transplantation is a promising, increasingly accepted treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI).
• Continued research is crucial to overcome challenges and optimize outcomes in UTx.
• UTx offers a pathway to genetic motherhood for women previously excluded from biological parenthood.