Vaginal hypoplasia
| Vaginal hypoplasia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Congenital absence of vagina |
Gynecology, medical genetics | |
Vaginal hypoplasia is the underdevelopment or incomplete development of the vagina. It is a birth defect or congenital abnormality of the female genitourinary system.
Signs and symptoms
Vaginal hypoplasia can vary in severity from being smaller than normal to being completely absent. The absence of a vagina is a result of vaginal
It is frequently associated with
Causes
The main causes are Müllerian agenesis and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.[1]
Treatment
In order to facilitate
Surgery is indicated when there is inability or reluctance to perform self-dilation, or where it is performed but with failed result. The vaginoplasty is performed around the inflatable expander which maintains the neovagina against the pelvic wall after the surgery and favors the process of microscopic neovascularization while reducing the risks for hematoma.
After vaginoplasty, available evidence suggests that continued self-dilation is needed to maintain the patency in periods of coital inactivity.[1] A vaginal expander can be used regularly to prevent post-operative vaginal retraction.[4]
Epidemiology
Vaginal hypoplasia is estimated to occur in 1 in 4,000–5,000 live female births. It is often unnoticed until adolescence when pain and a lack of menstrual flow indicates the condition.[5]
See also
References
External links
- International Birth Defects Information System
Media related to Vaginas at Wikimedia Commons
