What causes labia minora to fuse?
Summary. The cause of labial adhesions is thought to be irritation to the labia minora: for example, poor hygiene, strongly perfumed soaps and inflammatory conditions like vulvitis. The condition resolves during puberty because the effect of the female hormone oestrogen changes the cells that line the genitals.
What is a fusion of the labia majora and minora?
Labial adhesion is the fusion of the labia minora or majora, and it is mostly located near the clitoris. It also may be known as synechia vulvae or labial agglutination. The exact cause for labial adhesions remains unknown. However, it is believed that a state of low estrogen may be a contributing cause.
What does fusion of labia mean?
Labial fusion, or labial adhesion, is when the small inner lips around the entrance to the vagina become sealed together. In some cases, this can completely seal the vaginal opening, leaving a very small gap at the front that pee passes through.
Is labial adhesion serious?
Labial adhesions, or labial agglutination, occur when the labia minor (inner lips of the vulva) are stuck together, covering the vaginal opening. This condition is relatively common, causes no harm, and typically resolves on its own.
What does labial adhesion look like?
Labial adhesions occur when the inner lips (labia minora) of the vulva (outside of the vagina) stick together. This occurs most often in girls between 3 months and 6 years of age. Parents may notice their child’s vaginal opening looks partially or completely blocked or see a white line when looking at the vulvar area.
How do you open labial adhesion naturally?
The adhesions will often resolve spontaneously when girls are out of diapers or pull-ups both day and night. When labial adhesions persist, the estrogen surge at puberty will correct the problem. With treatment, the adhesions will disappear quickly, often within one week.
How do you treat labia adhesion?
One option is to simply apply Vaseline® with pressure to the adhesions. Over time, the pressure and the Vaseline® may be enough to separate the adhesion. Estrogen cream (premarin cream) can also be applied. During several weeks of using the cream, the adhesions should soften and begin to separate.
How do I get rid of labial adhesion?
In most cases, labial adhesions disappear within a year without any treatment. Treatment for labial adhesions can include: 1) application of a mild emollient with manual pressure, 2) application of an estrogen-based or steroid cream or 3) manual separation by a pediatric urologist.
How do you fix labial adhesion?
How do you open labial adhesion?
In cases where the adhesion is covering the vagina or causing symptoms, your child’s doctor can use an estrogen-based cream or steroid cream, which can help to separate the tissue. We only recommend surgical separation in rare cases, when the adhesion is very thick and topical treatment has failed.
When do labial adhesions go away?