Vaginal septum: Understanding causes, variations, therapeutic approaches, and additional insights
Vaginal septa is a relatively uncommon condition where a wall of tissue divides the vaginal canal, either horizontally (transverse septum) or lengthwise (longitudinal septum). This article aims to provide an overview of this condition, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Types and Symptoms
A Transverse vaginal septum is a horizontal wall within the vagina. Symptoms often appear around puberty with primary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), cyclic abdominal pain due to trapped menstrual blood (cryptomenorrhea/hematocolpos), difficulty urinating, back pain, painful periods, and problems with tampon use. In some cases, it may cause unusual abdominal swelling in newborns from trapped secretions.
On the other hand, a Longitudinal vaginal septum (also called “double vagina”) divides the vagina lengthwise into two canals, often with a double cervix and sometimes a double uterus (uterus didelphys). Symptoms can include painful intercourse (dyspareunia), pain during menstruation, or abnormal uterine bleeding, but many remain unaware their entire lives.
Diagnosis
A physical examination may reveal a vaginal septum. However, ultrasound (especially transvaginal) and MRI are considered gold standards to define the anatomy, characterize the septum type, and check for associated reproductive tract anomalies. MRI is particularly useful for longitudinal septa.
Treatment
Treatment for a transverse vaginal septum usually requires surgical removal or vaginoplasty, often a one-stage surgery to excise the septum and restore vaginal continuity. Surgery is typically straightforward with very rare complications. Before surgery, nonsurgical dilation with graduated vaginal dilators over several months can be attempted but is usually secondary.
For a longitudinal vaginal septum, surgery is recommended if there are symptoms such as painful intercourse. Resection of the septum can alleviate symptoms and preserve fertility. In cases associated with obstructive symptoms or hematocolpos, initial drainage may be necessary before definitive surgery.
Postoperative outcomes are generally good with preserved fertility and successful pregnancies reported.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you are experiencing problems with menstruation, pain and discomfort in the abdomen or pelvic region, irregular or absent periods, or pooling of blood in the vagina, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Vaginal septa occur during fetal development and are known as Muellerian anomalies.
Potential Complications
Side effects of a vaginal septum resection can include light bleeding and soreness. Potential complications after a vaginal septum resection may include scarring, narrowing of the vagina, injury to the bladder or rectum, and bleeding.
An obstructed hemi-vagina occurs where the septum partially divides and blocks half of the vagina, potentially leading to complications such as a double uterus or a double vagina. A person with an obstructed hemi-vagina may also experience pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, vomiting, constipation, fever, and a mass in the vagina or pelvis.
It is essential to remember that this article provides general information and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for any health-related concerns.
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- The importance of maintaining sexual health, other female sexual health, and overall women's health should not be undermined, especially regarding conditions like vaginal septa, which can cause symptoms during puberty and affect menstruation, urination, and intercourse.
- Advances in science have led to improved diagnostic methods for vaginal septa, with ultrasound and MRI being considered gold standards for defining the condition's anatomy, characterizing its type, and checking for associated reproductive tract anomalies.
- Workplace wellness initiatives could include provisions for discussing health-and-wellness concerns related to women's reproductive health, such as the symptoms and treatments for vaginal septa, to ensure a supportive environment for female employees.
- Medical conditions like vaginal septa can sometimes be associated with other anomalies, and it is essential to address these conditions promptly with therapies and treatments to prevent complications, maintain reproductive health, and support fertility.
- Skin care, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and Medicare are all important aspects of overall health and wellness, but it's critical to prioritize professional medical advice when dealing with specific conditions like vaginal septa to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
- CBD, or cannabidiol, has been researched for its potential benefits in managing various medical conditions, but more research is needed in the context of women's reproductive health to determine its safety and efficacy for conditions like vaginal septa.
