Vaginal atresia

Vaginal Atresia is a birth defect or congenital anomality of the female Genitourinary System that manifests itself in the absence of a vagina (vaginal agenesis), or a deformed and nonfunctional vagina (Vaginal Atresia).

It is frequently associated with Rokitansky-Mayer-Küster-Hauser (RMKH) syndrome, in which the most common result is an absent uterus in conjunction with a deformed or missing vagina, despite the presence of normal ovaries and normal external genitalia.

The situation is most urgent where the normal uterovaginal outflow is obstructed. In this case prompt medical action is required.

Vaginal atresia is estimated to occur in 1 in 4000–5000 live female births. It is often unnoticed until adolescence, when pain and a lack of menstrual flow indicates the condition. When a doctor diagnoses Vaginal Atresia, there are numerous remedies based on the exact details of the condition. In some cases, surgery can repair the defect or a new vagina can be fabricated using an intestinal graft.

See also

• Mullerian agenesis

References and additional reading

• Emedicine
• International Birth Defects Information System