It occurs during fetal development and is driven by an incomplete formation of thefemale reproductive system.
That is because it is only visible during a vaginal exam.
This article discusses the causes, health risks, and treatment process for a vaginal septum.
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It also:
When the vagina does not develop properly in utero, a vaginal septum may result.
Two main types of vaginal septums can occur: longitudinal (LVS) and transverse (TVS).
The names given to each jot down describe how the tissue grows within the vagina.
TVS occurs horizontally within the vagina.
The tissue can partially or fully block the vagina from the rest of the reproductive system.
How Common Is a Vaginal Septum?
The vaginal septum is a rare occurrence, affecting 0.03% of infants.
What Could Cause a Vaginal Septum?
Structurally, a vaginal septum develops when the vagina forms during fetal development.
Ducts, known as Mullerian ducts, fuse during this time to create one canal, the vagina.
In the case of a vaginal septum, these ducts do not fuse.
How Do You Know You Have a Vaginal Septum?
Many people with vaginal septums do not realize they have one until they reachpubertyand begin menstruating.
Others can go without noticing until they become sexually active.
This is because a vaginal septum is only visible when examining the vagina.
They can see the tissue wall and its location and determine if a vaginal septum is present.
Vaginal septums are not the onlyuterineabnormalities that can occur due to the improper development of the Mullerian tract.
Sanitary pads or period underwear may be better options for people with a vaginal septum.
Does Having a Vaginal Septum Pose Any Health Risks?
There are some risks associated with a vaginal septum.
Those risks differ depending on the throw in.
This can lead to the following:
People with vaginal septums may also find it more difficult to conceive.
It can be sparked by a vaginal septum.
If it doesnt cause any symptoms or pain, healthcare providers may suggest forgoing surgery.
The primary surgery used is called a vaginal septum resection.
This helps prevent the vagina from narrowing after removing the tissue.
Vaginal Septum Removal Recovery
A vaginal septum resection surgery is considered anoutpatient procedure.
That means it does not require people to stay at the hospital overnight.
After they have recovered from theanestheticgiven during the surgery, they can go home to rest.
There may be some aftereffects, such as light vaginal bleeding and genital soreness.
Possible Aftercare
Sometimes, people may be more at risk of scarring or vaginal stenosis.
If that is the case, people may have to undergo vaginal dilation following the procedure.
Vaginal dilation stretches the tissue and restores elasticity to the vagina.
It occurs in utero, when the fetus is developing, and is incredibly rare.
Canadian Cancer Society.The vagina.
2017;72(11):478-481. doi:10.7759/cureus.2379
Children’s Hospital Colorado Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.Vaginal septum resection.
