One in 50,000 chance: ‘I was born with two vaginas’

At just seven months old, Anja underwent a full pelvic reconstruction and she’s endured a lifetime of struggle. Now she’s determined to educate people on living with an invisible disability.

At only seven months old, Anja Christoffersen from the Sunshine Coast had to undergo a full pelvic reconstruction after being born with two vaginas and no anal opening.

Shortly after her birth Ms Christoffersen was diagnosed with VACTERL association, a cluster of birth defects that can include vertebral abnormalities, anal abnormalities, cardiac issues, tracheo-esophageal issues, renal anomalies and limb abnormalities.

Anja Christoffersen wasn’t aware she had a disability until she was in school. Picture: Danica Clayton

“I was around nine months old when I started using my pelvic openings for the first time,” she said.

“It was a really difficult adjustment period.”

Despite not having any limb abnormalities, Ms Christoffersen said her exact condition is so uncommon that only 1 in 50,000 children are born with it.

“As a child I didn’t even know there was anything wrong with me,” she said.

“I basically spent my first five years of life living in hospital because I had so many surgeries and admissions.

“When I was in Grade 1, I was running around asking people how their washouts were going and everyone looked at me so confused.

“I realised I was different and came home in tears asking why everyone was confused.”

Anja Christoffersen discovered she was different during Grade 1. Picture: Danica Clayton

Ms Christoffersen struggles with fatigue every day, but being unable to control her bowels and swallowing are some of the hardest parts of her condition.

“I actually can’t swallow. I don’t have any contractions in my food pipe so eating and drinking can be quite challenging as it is gravity functional only,” she said.

“Incontinence is a challenge because when I was reconstructed I didn’t have a sphincter or any nerves or muscles that could really tell me when I need to go to the bathroom.”

Anja Christoffersen wants to help other people with similar conditions realise their potential. Picture: Danica Clayton

Despite being able to conceive naturally, Ms Christoffersen said her condition would affect her ability to carry a pregnancy to full term.

“Along with having two vaginas, that also comes with two uteruses and what comes along with that is challenges with having a baby,” she said.

“I should be able to have children but only able to carry them to about seven months. Hopefully that happens one day but who knows.”

From the outside Ms Christoffersen looks like a typical 26-year-old, but her disability has become her strength as she now advocates for awareness of invisible disabilities.

“One of my biggest motivations is my parents, wanting to know that there is hope for people like me,” she said.

“I work very closely with the hospital where I receive care to try to improve the way that patients are treated and cared for. On top of that I’ve created a women with disabilities network which are creating the blueprint for product-based businesses by and for disabled people.”

Ms Christoffersen recently launched the aptly named business, Shhit Happens, a brand focused on creating eco-friendly toilet paper and wipes.

“For people that know me, it’s pretty obvious that I have a lot of experience in toilet paper,” she joked.