Uterus transplant process
- Complete the online questionnaire. This initial screening is used to determine if you are a potential candidate for the procedure.
- Once approved for evaluation, a financial deposit is required.
- Evaluation happens at the Baylor University Medical Center transplant clinic in Dallas, TX. The series of appointments typically take two days.
- If you do not already have embryos, you will see a fertility doctor who will retrieve eggs and sperm to create embryos. This can be done at a clinic of your choice in Dallas.
- After in vitro fertilization (IVF), you will be matched with either a living or deceased donor.
- You then will have the uterus transplant surgery. Recovery takes about three months.
After uterus transplant surgery in Dallas, patients are seen in clinic every two to four weeks for gynecological exams, labs to monitor your health and immunosuppressive therapy, and biopsies.
You may return to work after surgery restrictions are lifted. However, you will have many appointments throughout the process of uterus transplant and pregnancy that will require you to miss work.
Recipients: What to expect
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Are there any weight restrictions?
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while preparing for transplant and pregnancy. You should be at a healthy weight, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or below to proceed with a uterus transplant.
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Do I need to move to Dallas?
No, but there are specific times you will be required to stay in Dallas, including:
- Evaluation appointments
- Transplant surgery and several weeks after surgery
- Additional times specific to each uterus transplant recipient, as determined by your transplant team
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What if I don't know someone who is willing to donate her uterus?
A living donor is usually the quickest way to receive a transplant. We will screen any potential donors who come forward on your behalf.
We also can match you with a non-directed donor or deceased donor.
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Are there robotic surgery options for uterus transplants?
Yes, learn more about robotic transplantation.
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After uterus transplant, will I get a menstrual period?
Getting a menstrual period means the transplanted uterus is functioning. Most recipients get a menstrual period within four to six weeks after transplant. Periods usually occur monthly until pregnancy.
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After uterus transplant, is there any chance of getting pregnant naturally (without IVF)?
No. During surgery, the uterus is transplanted with the cervix but not the fallopian tubes. You cannot get pregnant naturally without fallopian tubes, as they act as a bridge between the ovaries and the uterus.
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Will I have the transplanted uterus for the rest of my life?
No. Uterus transplant is a temporary transplant to allow for one or two pregnancies. The transplanted uterus is removed after the first or second pregnancy is complete. Once the transplanted uterus is removed, you will stop taking immunosuppressive medications.
Pregnancy
After you recover from the transplant surgery, embryo transfer is done three to six months after the transplant surgery, which hopefully results in a successful pregnancy.
At this time, we follow the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s recommendation to do single embryo transfer to decrease the risks associated with twins.
Due to the organ transplant and the immunosuppressive medications you must take, it is considered a high-risk pregnancy. You will be followed by a maternal fetal medicine doctor and a high-risk obstetrician to monitor the health of you and the baby.
Delivery of your baby will be by caesarean section. With the guidance of your physician team, the transplanted uterus is either removed after delivery of the first child or retained to try for a second pregnancy.
