Sociocultural Effects on Women with MRKH Syndrome

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is a congenital disease that affects the female reproductive organs, causing them to be either malformed or completely absent. Much of the research regarding MRKH primarily focuses on the biological aspects of the disease and ignores the social impacts of the disease. I have conducted research to assess three of the underlying factors affecting women with the disease and gained a better understanding of how this disease affects these individuals and creates new obstacles for them throughout their lives. I found that for many women with MRKH, the decision to pursue treatment is greatly influenced by their environments and communities. Treatments range from something minor like vaginal dilation to much more controversial and riskier experimental treatments like uterine transplant surgery to experience pregnancy. Patients often experience “gender role insecurity” based on the cultural norms of their society. Gender role insecurity is the concern that gender norms may go unfulfilled, and even affects the relationships between women with MRKH and those who do not have the disease. This is a concern that women feel due to social pressures and standards. Gender role insecurity is important because it lets us understand what women with MRKH feel they lack in terms of their femininity and why medical intervention is so highly prioritized. Some societies and cultures with a more traditional background have a greater influence regarding the treatment options that MRKH women pursue. By analyzing support groups and online message boards, it seems that these support groups give women with MRKH the support and freedom to explore a range of treatment options, away from significant social pressures.