'I was born without womb'

By Jane Elliott
BBC News, health reporter

A graphic showing the reproductive system (womb centre)

It was not until Jay Fletcher first had sex that she realised there was something wrong - the pain was excruciating.

Friends and family said a little pain was not unusual the first time, but 17-year-old Jay knew this was different.

Doctors carried out tests and found that, although she had working ovaries, her womb had never developed.

'Always maternal'

"I had never had a period," said Jay, "but doctors had told me that this was not unusual if you were very sporty - and I played hockey at a high level."

Jay, now 24, has always been maternal and her first thought was that she would never have a child.

I have friends who hate their periods and do not want children and would have their wombs removed Jay Fletcher

"I think this is just sod's law.

"I have friends who hate their periods and do not want children and would have their wombs removed."

Two weeks after Jay was told she had no womb, her mother was told she needed a hysterectomy and Jay said this had caused her much grief.

"She blames herself for having hers taken away when I need one, but that is rubbish.

Jay, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, has also recently discovered that she is gay, saying this further clouds the issue of having children.

"I know it will not be easy."

Transplants

American doctors have recently announced that they plan to carry out a womb transplant and despite her pessimism about surgery being available in time to benefit her, Jay says she would consider it.

"I just think if I was offered the chance to have a transplant I would be crazy not to go for it."

Richard Kennedy gynaecologist and spokesman for the British Fertility Society agreed that routine womb transplants were probably a long way off.

"It is one thing having a face transplant because there is one donor and recipient, but with a womb transplant the expectation must be that it is for pregnancy and then you need to also consider the unborn child."