How common is the absence of a vagina?
It can often be overlooked in the early infancy period after birth. It is seen in roughly one in 4,000 girls.
What is the reason?
Drug use during pregnancy is an important reason
The main factor that determines the development of the child's sexual organs in a boy or girl direction is genetics. . However, the absence of a vagina often occurs due to a disease the mother had during pregnancy or the medications she took.
In the absence of a vagina, the external genitalia, ovaries and tubes are usually developed as a normal girl. Therefore, breast development and other sexual characteristics are entirely female, as in normal girls. However, in most cases, it is accompanied by the absence or dysfunction of the uterus.
How is it understood? How is it diagnosed?
Early diagnosis can be made with careful examination during infancy. However, it is often noticed late due to careless examination.
Absence of menstruation is an important symptom
Since there is no problem in the development of the body and breasts, the absence of a vagina is usually diagnosed as amenorrhoea in adolescence.
In people with a normal uterus, pain and a cystic mass growing in the abdomen occur due to the accumulation of menstrual bleeding in a closed environment during each menstrual period. This cystic mass puts pressure on the bladder in the front and the large intestine in the back, causing difficulty in urination, constipation and the appearance of a tumor on ultrasound.
It prevents sexual intercourse and having children
The difference until marriage. In cases where it is not done, the problem is understood because sexual intercourse cannot take place. Not being able to get pregnant can also be a symptom of the absence of a vagina. Girls without a vagina cannot have sexual intercourse and cannot give birth to children even if their other genital organs are normal. Since these patients generally do not have a normal uterus, accumulation of menstrual blood, swelling and periodic pain are rarely observed.
If there is any gender suspicion, the gender is determined first
In children with suspected absence of a vagina, genetic gender should be investigated by chromosome analysis. . On examination, there is a slight skin depression in the genital area where the vagina should be or the vagina is in the form of a small (1-2 cm) blind space. After determining the gender, the presence and absence of the uterus and ovaries are examined using a laparoscope. It is important to know whether it is normal or not.
When and how should it be treated?
The vagina is performed during the first menstrual period or before marriage
Surgical correction is made before menstruation begins in girls diagnosed in infancy. makes. A vagina of normal length and width is surgically created so that they can continue their sexual life.
Patients with artificial vagina can have an orgasm
The purpose of the surgery is to ensure sexual intercourse and to create a vagina that will allow pregnancy in patients with a developed uterus. is to create a structure. In order to prevent vaginal narrowing, surgery should be performed in adolescence, especially when active sexual life begins.
Using the mucosa-covered intestine for the artificial vagina creates a natural and moist environment. This eliminates the need for moisturizer before sexual intercourse. Thus, the features of a real vagina are created. In these, there is no lack of sexual stimulation and orgasm occurs. Even if there is no uterus and ovaries, a vagina is made for their future sexual life. However, pregnancy is not possible in the long term in those without a uterus.
How does the artificial vagina affect women psychosocially?
Psychology is as important as physical appearance.
Surgery in patients with an absence of vagina. Even if the anatomy is corrected and sexual function is provided, serious psychosexual problems can be observed in most of them.
These require years of treatment for psychological problems, depression and anxiety disorders.
A surrogate mother is required to have a baby in those who have no or defective uterus
It is often not possible for patients who have a vaginal cavity that allows for successful sexual intercourse to have a baby naturally. Because even though most of them have ovaries, their uteruses are small, damaged or absent. In order to have children when they get married, they must find a womb, that is, a surrogate mother, in which their babies will grow. This is also a very traumatic process.
An experienced doctor and a multi-faceted approach are essential!
A specialist experienced in genital anatomy and sexual development problems can solve the problem of the absence of a vagina with the right surgical method for patients who do not have a vagina. One of the most important steps in the treatment process, to which patients are very sensitive, is psychosocial support.
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