Summary about Disease
A vaginal septum is a rare congenital condition where a wall of tissue divides the vagina. This septum can be longitudinal (running the length of the vagina) or transverse (crossing the width of the vagina). The size and location of the septum can vary significantly. Some women may not even know they have one, while others experience a range of symptoms depending on the type and extent of the septum.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type and size of the septum. Some women may have no symptoms. Others may experience:
Difficulty inserting tampons
Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Difficulty with childbirth
Double vagina (with a longitudinal septum)
Obstructed menstrual flow (with a transverse septum), leading to pelvic pain, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), or hematocolpos (accumulation of menstrual blood in the vagina)
Infertility (rare)
Recurrent miscarriages
Causes
A vaginal septum is caused by incomplete fusion of the Müllerian ducts during fetal development. The Müllerian ducts are structures that develop into the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, upper vagina). Errors in their fusion can lead to various uterine and vaginal anomalies, including a vaginal septum. The exact reason for this incomplete fusion is usually unknown, and it is generally not considered hereditary.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medication to treat a vaginal septum. Treatment is usually surgical. While medicines are not directly used for treatment, pain relievers may be used to manage discomfort.
Is Communicable
A vaginal septum is not communicable. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth and not caused by an infection or contagious agent.
Precautions
Since a vaginal septum is a congenital condition, there are no specific precautions to prevent its development.
If diagnosed: Follow your doctor's recommendations for management and treatment.
How long does an outbreak last?
A vaginal septum is not an "outbreak." It is a structural abnormality. If symptoms are present, they will persist until the septum is addressed through surgical correction.
How is it diagnosed?
A vaginal septum is usually diagnosed during a pelvic exam. Other diagnostic methods may include:
Physical examination: A doctor can often detect a septum during a routine pelvic exam.
Ultrasound: Imaging can visualize the vaginal structure.
MRI: Provides detailed imaging of the reproductive organs.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An X-ray test where dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to visualize their shape (primarily to evaluate the uterus but can provide additional information).
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms is variable:
Childhood/Adolescence: Transverse septa causing obstructed menstrual flow may be diagnosed when a young girl doesn't start menstruating or experiences cyclic pain without bleeding.
Adulthood: Some women remain asymptomatic until they attempt to use tampons or experience pain during sexual activity. Others may be diagnosed during fertility evaluations.
Symptoms can arise or become more noticeable after sexual activity begins.
Important Considerations
Surgical Correction: Surgical removal or incision of the septum is the typical treatment if symptoms are present or if it's interfering with fertility or childbirth.
Impact on Fertility/Pregnancy: While a vaginal septum can, in some cases, affect fertility or lead to complications during pregnancy, many women with a septum can conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Consultation with an obstetrician is crucial.
Psychological Impact: The diagnosis can be distressing. Open communication with your healthcare provider and seeking support if needed is important.
Variability: The presentation of a vaginal septum varies greatly between individuals, and the treatment approach should be tailored to the individual's specific situation.