The short vagina syndrome is a congenital malformation in which the girl is born with a smaller and narrower than normal vaginal canal, which during childhood does not cause any discomfort, but which can cause pain during adolescence, especially when it starts sexual contact.
The degree of this malformation can vary from one case to another and, therefore, there are girls who may not even have a vaginal canal, causing even more pain when menstruation arises, since the remains released by the uterus cannot leave the body. Better understand what happens when the girl has no vagina and how she is treated.
Thus, each case of short vagina must be evaluated by a gynecologist, to identify the degree and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which can range from exercises with special medical devices to surgery, for example.
Main features
The main characteristic of the short vagina syndrome is the presence of a vaginal canal with dimensions smaller than that of most women, with the vagina often having a size of only 1 or 2 cm instead of 6 to 12 cm, which are normal.
In addition, depending on the size of the vagina, the woman may still experience symptoms such as:
- Absence of the first menstruation, severe pain during intimate contact, discomfort when using tampons;
Many girls may even develop depression, especially when they are unable to have sex or have their first period and are unaware of the presence of this malformation.
Thus, whenever there is discomfort in intimate contact or major changes in the expected menstrual pattern, it is important to consult a gynecologist, as, in most cases, the short vagina syndrome is only identified with a physical examination done by the doctor.
How the treatment is done
A large proportion of cases of short vagina can be treated without having to resort to surgery. This is because vaginal tissues are generally quite elastic and, therefore, can be dilated gradually, using special devices that vary in size and are known as Frank's vaginal dilators.
The dilators must be inserted into the vagina for about 30 minutes a day and, in the first treatment times, they need to be used every day. Then, with the enlargement of the vaginal canal, these devices can only be used 2 to 3 times a week, or according to the instructions of the gynecologist.
Surgery is generally only used when the devices do not cause any change in the size of the vagina or when the vaginal malformation is very serious and causes the total absence of the vaginal canal.
