The hymen is a fragile membrane that is located at the entrance of the vagina in women. Made of delicate tissue, the hymen often has a tiny opening to let out menstrual blood. Hymens vary in size and shape, and the opening size can change too. In a few cases, the space may be tiny or even non-existent. A hymen without an opening may cause challenging compacta’s for women, and this condition, where the hymen lacks an opening, is called an imperforate hymen.
According to the gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri, the lack of an opening in the hymen is a rare condition that may lead to a host of complications like infection, menstrual pain, cramping, difficulty in intercourse, and, in rare cases, may even damage the uterus and fallopian tubes.
However, all the possible complications can be avoided by quickly identifying the condition and consulting a qualified gynaecologist for treatment. But what causes imperforate hymen, how to identify an imperforate hymen, and what are the treatment options available today? With insights from the best female gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri, we have delved into these topics for you. Read on to know.
What causes imperforate hymen?
Imperforate hymen is a congenital condition that children are born with, and it becomes apparent only in menstruation. A child may develop an imperforate hymen right at the embryological stage due to a lack of proper development. It can occur due to genetic predisposition, and even hormonal imbalance problems are also found to cause this rare condition.
How do you identify imperforate hymen?
Delay in the first menstruation is often a sign of a soft imperforate hymen. The lack of an opening results in the menstrual blood lacking a way to get out, leading to a lack of the first period. Because the menstrual blood cannot find its way out, the girl may experience pain that coincides with the menstrual cycle. As the blood doesn’t come out, the menstruation is not accounted for, making pain in the lower abdomen another sign of an imperforate hymen.
In some cases, the accumulated menstrual blood can cause urination problems and back pain, which are the other signs of the imperforate syndrome,” says Dr. Neelima Mantri, the best female gynaecologist in Mumbai for the treatment of imperforate hymen.
Treatment for an imperforate hymen:
While the complications of an imperforate hymen can be severe, the treatment for an imperforate hymen is a simple surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the hymen.
“After carefully diagnosing the condition, the healthcare provider creates an appropriate opening for the menstrual blood. This simple procedure involves quick recovery, and the patient may resume normal activities the next day,” says a gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Neelima Mantri. If you are experiencing a delay in the first menstruation and any other symptoms mentioned above. In that case, there is a high probability of an imperforate hymen, which can be treated with a simple procedure. You can contact Dr. Neelima Mantri here for more queries about the condition or process.