Hello! My name is Stephanie Mercado, and I was born with MRKH Type 2 (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser), a rare condition that affects around 1 in 5,000 women.
MRKH is a congenital disorder that is caused by having an absent uterus and vagina. Although all looks normal- I do have fully developed ovaries, but was born with an absent uterus and a dimple for a vaginal canal. I would need to start dilation or surgery in order to lengthen my vaginal canal. Since I was born with Type 2: I also have kidney issues- born with a horseshoe kidney (only one large kidney)
Unfortunately, since MRKH is a rare condition, many gynecologists aren’t experienced/knowledgeable of what treatments are available. At 18, I saw an infertility doctor- which was super scary and nerve racking. I felt as if the doctor brushed off my diagnosis and only told me to “come back when I’m ready for dilation”. This reaction truly hurt me since I was just pushed to the side.
After being diagnosed, I struggled with feeling whole. I felt like I was different, not a woman, and didn’t love myself. Luckily, I wanted to pull myself out of this mindset and found therapy support. With each therapy session, I was able to understand that this diagnosis does not define me. I’m more than someone who was born with MRKH; I’m a daughter, a teacher, a friend, and a courageous individual.
My positive view in life plummeted because I was also dealing with other medical issues: I was born with a solitary kidney. I didn’t see my bright future and felt like everything bad happened to me. Since 10, each year I’ve seen a neurologist to check that my kidneys are functioning correctly- luckily all has been well!
With being diagnosed at 10 with a solitary kidney, I was always in and out of the hospital for consultations.
The reason why I created this donation page is due to my insurance seeing this diagnosis as an infertility issue- they do not cover these treatments. There are different options for treatment to create a vaginal canal: dilation or surgery. As of now, I’m leaning towards surgery since I have a super short canal. I would need to pay for reconstructive procedures, labs, imagining, and consultations.
It would mean the world to me for any donation- no matter the amount. If donation is not possible, sharing my story on different platforms would help me as well.
Your time, support, empathy, and encouragement allows me to be more positive and build more awareness of this diagnosis.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my story and blessing my path.
With Appreciation and Gratitude,
Stephanie Mercado-Olivares