A UK teenager has finally been diagnosed with two sets of reproductive organs after her discomfort was originally dismissed by doctors as "period pain".
Molly-Rose Taylor, 19, was diagnosed with the rare condition known as uterus didelphys - which causes her to have two vaginas, two cervixes and two wombs.
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The nanny reportedly suffered agonising pains from the age of nine, which caused her to become delirious and frequently faint.
Taylor told Caters she was misdiagnosed three times, and says multiple doctors failed to spot the 2cm thick wall of tissue running vertically down her vagina known as the longitudinal septum - which caused her to have two.
"As I got into my early teens, I attempted to use tampons, but it would fall straight out - I thought maybe it was normal," she revealed.
"It wasn't until I became sexually active with my then-boyfriend that I began to worry as it was impossible and very painful.
"I noticed there was a piece of skin in the middle and two holes and I felt so embarrassed."
After five long years, Taylor began to thoroughly research online and discovered it was uterus didelphys. She says she's sharing her story to raise awareness of the rare condition, as a lack of knowledge lead to such a delayed diagnosis.
"There weren't any leaflets for me to read nor doctors who could help understand my condition, which is why it took so long for me to get a diagnosis," she explained.
"I told my GP that I knew what it was, and was referred to a gynaecologist [where] I requested general anaesthetic for the intrusive vaginal scan.
"I went on to have general anaesthetic for my second gynaecologist appointment as it was too painful for me. Within 10 minutes, they confirmed I have two uteruses, two cervixes and two vaginas - I felt so happy to finally know what is wrong."
Taylor says she is remaining optimistic about the diagnoses.
"Although I may face some complications when I am ready to start a family as there is a high chance of miscarrying - at least I can now plan ahead as I am aware. I tend not to dwell on my condition, and I will cross that bridge when I get there."
Awareness of the condition is beginning to spread as more women reveal their stories.
Last month, another UK women revealed she beat the odds and gave birth to "miracle twins", despite being diagnosed with uterus didelphys as a teen.
Caters/Newshub.
