Vaginal Agenesis is a congenital abnormality where the foetus is born with an underdeveloped vagina. Yes, that can happen in rare cases, say 1 out of 5000. Like a few foetuses are born with an underdeveloped spine, arms, legs or kidneys, a few are born with an underdeveloped vagina which is then repaired by specialist surgeons.
What symptoms identify this condition, what causes this condition and how is it treated? With the inputs from the top gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri, we have answered the most commonly asked question about Vaginal Agenesis. Read on to know the answers:
What is Vaginal Agenesis?
As said above Vaginal Agenesis is a congenital abnormality where the vagina of the foetus may not fully develop to be a normal one. While some girls have shorter vaginas, others have remnant ones or even lack one completely.
“More often than not this condition develops in tandem with other abnormalities of the reproductive system like underdeveloped fallopian tubes, or uterus, even spine and kidney growth problems too”, says the best lady gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri.
Vaginal Agenesis Symptoms:
In some cases, the outer organs appear normal and hence this condition may not be identified at birth in some cases. So unable to have menstruation is only the symptom in such cases that may signal Vaginal Agenesis. This condition is called Amenorrhea.
“In a few other cases, menstrual blood is pooled inside and stuck due to lack of exit. This condition is called Amenorrhea and it causes abdominal pain and cramping too. Pain during sex is another symptom which is caused due to shorted vagina. Divot or dimple in place of the vagina is another symptom which is often rare in my practice.” says gynaecologist in Mumbai Dr Neelima Mantri.
What causes Vaginal Agenesis?
Around the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is when the development of the female reproductive system happens and healthcare researchers are yet to pinpoint the reason why. The evidence in cases suggests exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy or environmental factors to be the leading cause of this condition. Genetic factors play a part in a few cases too.
How is Vaginal Agenesis treated?
In the majority of cases, this condition is only diagnosed in the teenage years. A physical exam, ultrasound and MRI followed by a blood test and DNA test (for chromosomal abnormalities) are performed to identify and build the plan of treatment for Vaginal Agenesis.
Self-dilation of the vagina: Self-dilation is recommended in cases of the vaginal dimple. A hard and smooth tampon-shaped plastic tube is used to slowly dilate the vagina with pressure for 15-20 minutes a day until the vaginal attains a normal shape. A regular time frame for this non-surgical standard procedure is 18-24 months
Vaginoplasty: In case the vaginal dilation is not suitable, Vaginoplasty is considered by the gynaecologist to construct the vaginal canal. It is created using skin from the insides of the cheek or bowel along with a placeholder to make it stay intact in shape. It may take a month for the recovery after the surgery post which people can enjoy their sex life without any problem. However every case is different as is their anatomy, so only a gynaecologist can adequately provide the right details about the efficiency and timeframe of the condition. If you are in Mumbai and are looking for more information about Vaginal Agenesis, then Dr Neelima Mantri is the best gynaecologist in Mumbai who can help you. Contact her here: