19/11/2025
Reproductive medicine method - uterus transplantation
Uterine transplantation is a surgical procedure that allows a woman with an absent or non-functioning uterus to carry and give birth to a child.
Uterine transplantation process
👉 The uterus donor can be a living relative of the woman (most often a mother, sister or aunt) or a stranger. Surgical removal of the uterus from a donor is a complex procedure, because its main task is to preserve all the blood vessels that nourish the uterus. The operation lasts 10-12 hours. At this time, the recipient is prepared for transplantation. The transplantation process also lasts quite a long time. After uterine transplantation, the woman begins to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection.
👉 When the uterus takes root and its blood supply is fully restored, the embryo transfer procedure is performed. Pregnancy takes place under the close supervision of doctors. Delivery is by cesarean section to avoid straining the transplanted uterus and causing bleeding. After the baby is born, the transplanted uterus is usually removed to stop taking immunosuppressive drugs.
Success of uterus transplants
👉 The first successful uterus transplant took place in Sweden in 2013, and the first baby was born after such an operation in 2014. Since then, more than 100 uterus transplants have been performed worldwide and more than 70 babies have been born.
Disadvantages and risks of uterus transplants
👉 The operation to remove the uterus is a serious surgical intervention and carries certain risks for the donor. Of course, the risks can also affect the recipient. For example, taking immunosuppressive drugs can have side effects. Pregnancy after a uterus transplant is always considered a high-risk pregnancy and requires careful monitoring.
‼️Surrogacy and uterus transplantation are two radically different approaches to infertility treatment. They can be comparable in cost, but differ significantly in risks for the donor, recipient, and child. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but as of today, surrogacy is considered a more developed and effective option.