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Developmental disorders of the vagina and vulva - Symptom

Symptoms:

Symptoms may include:

  • Inability to empty the bladder (urinary retention)
  • Lack of menstrual periods
  • Painful intercourse
  • Pelvic pain that comes back

Signs and tests:

Finding problems with development early is important, especially when the gender is unclear (sexual ambiguity).

An examination of the outside (external) genitals may show:

  • Enlarged clitoris
  • One side of labia larger than the other, or unusually large on both sides
  • Opening of the vagina very close to the urethra or anus
  • Urethra located on the clitoris

An examination of the vagina may show:

  • Abnormal "wall" of tissue (septum) in the vagina that may either partly or completely divide the vagina across or straight up and down
  • Blockage of the opening of the vagina (imperforate hymen), and a bulge at the opening of the vagina
  • Labia that is stuck together (fused labia)
  • Missing or partially formed vagina
  • Reviewed last on: 2/19/2008
  • Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.