A teenager has finally been diagnosed as having two sets of reproductive organs after being dismissed by doctors, telling her issues were nothing more than ‘period pains’.
Molly-Rose Taylor, 19, was diagnosed with the rare condition known as uterus didelphys – which caused her to have two vaginas, two cervixes and two wombs.
The nanny suffered with agonising period pains from the age of nine, which caused her to become delirious and faint frequently.
She was misdiagnosed four times and says multiple doctors failed to spot the 2cm thick wall of tissue running vertically down her vagina known as the longitudinal septum – which caused her to have two distinct vaginal passages.
After five years, Molly-Rose began to research online and discovered her condition. Now, she is sharing her story for the first time to raise awareness of uterus didelphys.
Molly-Rose from Gillingham, Kent, said: ‘When I first started my periods, doctors would blame my age and say my body is still young and can’t cope.
‘But now I know it is because I am having two periods at once, I have been on birth control since 12-years-old to try and reduce the heavy flow and fainting.
‘As I got into my early teens, I attempted to use tampons, but it would fall straight out, I thought maybe it was normal.
‘It wasn’t until I became sexually active with my then boyfriend, I began to worry as it was impossible and very painful.
‘I noticed there was a piece of skin in the middle and two holes and I felt so embarrassed.
‘From the outside, you would never even know, even the doctors didn’t as I had attended three appointments.
‘Before my diagnosis I was advised to get tested for a sexually transmitted disease due to the bleeding and abnormal discharge.
‘It came back all clear, as predicted – I knew something was wrong and began to research myself which was a challenge itself.’
Molly-Rose says there was a lack of knowledge and awareness in the medical practise and she had to tirelessly research online before finding uterus didelphys.
She adds: ‘There wasn’t any leaflets for me to read nor doctors who could help me understand my condition which is why it took so long for me to get a diagnosis.
‘I told my GP that I know what it is and was referred to a gynaecologist and I requested general anaesthetic for the intrusive vaginal scan.
‘I went on to have general anaesthetic for my second gynaecologist appointment as it was too painful for me having the scan that I had at university college London hospital.
‘I was desperate to get some answers. It was best for me to sleep during the examination to avoid me tensing up again.
‘Within ten minutes, they confirmed I have two uteruses, two cervixes and two vaginas – I felt so happy to finally know what is wrong.’
In August 2017, Molly-Rose had an operation for the longitudinal septum to be removed at the University College of London Hospital.
She says it would do ‘more harm than good’ for doctors to attempt to remove any of her doubled reproductive organs.
Molly-Rose adds: ‘Although I may face some complications when I am ready to start a family as there is a high chance of miscarrying – at least I can now plan ahead as I am aware.
‘I tend not to dwell on my condition, and I will cross that bridge when I get there.
‘If I wasn’t persistent, then I would still be clueless, and I am sharing my story to raise awareness for other girls and women who may be going through the same.’
SPONSORED: Ten practical things to try if you want to give up cigarettes
Source: Read Full Article