"Women suffering from MRKH Syndrome type 1 mostly have an underdeveloped uterus and/or the vagina (aplasia). In rare cases, there may be narrowing (atresia) of the upper portion of the vagina and an underdeveloped or rudimentary uterus. In some cases, the Fallopian tubes may be affected too though the ovaries are usually unaffected and function normally in women," Dr. Gauri Agarwal, Suparna's doctor and Director and Co-founder of Seeds of Innocence, told Sputnik.
"Though her hormonal evaluation was within normal limits, we could not find uterus during ultrasound examination, though both the ovaries seemed to be normal. For better diagnosis, we conducted an MRI of her abdomen and pelvis, which not only confirmed the absence of uterine fundus and corpus but fallopian tubes as well. Since there were no associated renal or skeletal anomalies, she was diagnosed as a case of MRKH syndrome type 1," Dr. Agarwal said.
"My husband, my in-laws, and my own family were all very supportive throughout the diagnosis, planning for surrogacy, and during the surrogacy period. They understood my concerns and anxieties and always helped with rational suggestions and morale-boosting. Since this was diagnosed as a defect since my birth, I do not think anything could have been done better than the option I got now. But yes, I would have got a longer duration to accept the situation," Suparna told Sputnik.
"Surreal is the word -- since diagnosis, I never imagined myself holding babies that have my genes but thanks to the surrogate mother and my doctor, it became a reality. I will be forever grateful to them. Most of the women who suffer from similar conditions are very shy in accepting it. I urge them to see a good doctor at the earliest. Knowledge is power. The more you hide, the more delay and harm it causes. Talk to your parents or spouse and see the doctor," she said.