Vaginal septum
| Vaginal septum | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Gynaecology  |
A vaginal septum is a congenital partition within the vagina; such a septum could be either longitudinal or transverse.
Longitudinal septum – double vagina
A longitudinal vaginal septum develops during embryogenesis when there is an incomplete fusion of the lower parts of the two Müllerian ducts. As a result, there is a double vagina.[1] There may be associated duplications of the more cranial parts of the Müllerian derivatives, a double cervix, and either a uterine septum or uterus didelphys (double uterus).[2][3]
The person with a longitudinal vaginal septum may be asymptomatic and not aware of the condition. If dyspareunia is a problem a simple resection of the septum could be performed.
Transverse septum
A transverse septum can form during embryogenesis when the Müllerian ducts fuse improperly to the urogenital sinus. A complete transverse septum will block menstrual flow and is a cause of primary amenorrhea. The accumulation of menstrual debris behind the septum is termed cryptomenorrhea. Some transverse septa are incomplete and may lead to dyspareunia or obstruction in labour.[4] A surgical incision will relieve the situation.
Additional images
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Complete double female reproductive vaginas, double cervix and double uterus.
References
- ^ Varras M, Akrivis C, Demou A, Kitsiou E, Antoniou N (March 2007). "Double vagina and cervix communicating bilaterally with a single uterine cavity: report of a case with an unusual congenital uterine malformation". J Reprod Med. 52 (3): 238–40. PMID 17465296.
- ^ Heinonen, Pentti K. (March 2006). "Complete septate uterus with longitudinal vaginal septum". Fertil. Steril. 85 (3): 700–5. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.039. PMID 16500341.
- ^ Perez-Brayfield MR, Clarke HS, Pattaras JG (September 2002). "Complete bladder, urethral, and vaginal duplication in a 50-year-old woman". Urology. 60 (3): 514. doi:10.1016/S0090-4295(02)01808-3. PMID 12350504.
- ^ Üstün Y; Üstün YE; Zeteroğlu Ş; Şahin G; Kamacı M (2005). "A Case of Transverse Vaginal Septum Diagnosed During Labour" (PDF). Erciyes Medical Journal. 27 (3): 136–138.