MRKH Guide for Teens:

Diagnosis

Intro	Frequently Asked Questions
Diagnosis	Vaginal Dilator Instructions
Treatment Options

When is MRKH diagnosed?

The most common age for MRKH to be diagnosed is when a young woman is between 15 and 18 years old. That's when a young woman is likely to see her health care provider because she hasn't started her period. Some girls may find out at an earlier age or when they're older.

What will happen at my health care provider's appointment?

Your health care provider will probably ask you questions such as: “When did you notice that your body was changing... going through puberty?” Next, he/she may want to take a look at your outer female organs and also check to see how long your vagina is. Your health care provider will gently put a Q-tip or gloved pinky finger at the opening of your vagina and then very slowly and carefully put it into the vagina to see how deep your vagina is. If your health care provider thinks you might have MRKH, he/she will probably order a test called an ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These tests do not hurt and are similar to having an x-ray. Usually your health care provider will refer you to a specialist who has experience taking care of young women with MRKH. A pediatric and adolescent gynecologist is a health care provider with special training in young women's reproductive health.

What can a pelvic ultrasound or MRI show?

A pelvic ultrasound is usually the first test to check to see if a uterus or womb is present. This test can also confirm that you have two ovaries and two kidneys. Sometimes a very tiny uterus can be seen. A tiny uterus is called a “uterine horn or remnant”. You may need to have an MRI so that your health care provider can see your female organs in more detail.

Previous

Next: Treatment Options

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 10/24/2011