Motivations for uterus transplantation in women with absolute uterine factor infertility: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Uterine transplantation is indicated for women with absolute uterine factor infertility, which is usually associated with congenital causes (the most common being Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome) or acquired via hysterectomy. For these women, uterus transplantation is the only possibility for them to be able to conceive and have a biological child. The aim of this study was to understand the motivations that lead women with absolute uterine factor infertility to wish to undergo a uterus transplant. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed in the following databases: Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane (CENTRAL), Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. Results: 439 articles were identified, and nine studies were finally selected. Uterine transplantation was the preferred choice over adoption and surrogacy in most studies (ranging from 45% to 97.5%). The main motivations for this type of transplant include the desire to conceive a pregnancy, the desire to have a genetic child, the desire to have control over pregnancy, the physiological repair of the body, the restoration of femininity, and the desire to contribute to science. Conclusion: The motivations for uterus transplantation go far beyond the desire to get pregnant and include personal and unique motivations.