Sometimes you may find it difficult to use a tampon. Or you may feel pain during sex. The reason for such things may be a small change in your hymen. Today we are talking about such a condition as a septate hymen. There is nothing to worry about, this is something that can be solved quite easily.
What is the hymen? What is the septate hymen?
The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the opening of your vagina. It doesn't completely cover the vagina as some people think. It's usually located in a crescent shape, just below the opening of the vagina. It's made up of tissue left over from the formation of the vagina when we were babies. It's a little thicker when you're born, but over time, it can stretch and even tear due to things like physical activity, hormonal changes, tampon use, and sex. Some people don't even notice it.
Okay, now let's see what a `(Septate Hymen)` is. Simply put, `(Septate Hymen)` means that there is an extra piece of skin or tissue in the middle of your hymen. To be precise, instead of a single opening in the hymen, this extra piece of tissue creates two vaginal openings. This extra strip of tissue prevents the vaginal opening from opening properly and creates some obstruction.
Is a Septate Hymen Normal?
Septate Hymen is actually a hymenal anomaly. These types of hymenal anomalies are very rare. According to some studies, this condition is present in about one in 1,000 or one in 10,000 women. So this is not unique to you, but it is not very common either.
How do you know if you have a Septate Hymen? What are the symptoms?
Only your doctor can tell you for sure if you have this condition. However, you may recognize some of the symptoms. Many people only realize they have a `(Septate Hymen)` when they start using a `(Tampon)` after their period starts, or when they try to have sex.
The main features that can be seen are:
- Difficulty inserting or removing a tampon: Sometimes, a tampon may not be able to be inserted, or it may get stuck in the extra tissue after insertion and cannot be removed. Imagine, you are trying to insert a tampon, but it feels like it won't go any further. Or, when you try to insert it, it feels like it's getting caught in something. This is the first discomfort that many people experience. However, sometimes, if one of the two openings is large enough to insert a tampon, some people can use it without any problems.
- Painful Intercourse: This pain can be caused by that extra tissue. If you experience extreme pain or burning when you first try to have sex, or every time, you should think about this.
- Bleeding or pain after sex: This is because the `(Septate Hymen)` can tear at this time. This tearing can sometimes be quite severe.
Imagine, there is a young girl named Nimali. She has just started her monthly period. She talked to her friends and thought about using a `(Tampon)`. But she could not insert it properly. She thought that she must be doing something wrong, or that she did not know how to use it. She was very worried about this. Later, when she talked about this with her mother, her mother took her to see a gynecologist. That is when the doctor examined her and said that she had a `(Septate Hymen)`.
What causes a septate hymen?
Septate Hymen is a congenital irregularity. This means that it is present at birth. This extra layer of tissue is formed when we are developing as a fetus in the womb. Doctors still don't know exactly why some people develop it and others don't. So remember that it is not your fault, something you did, or your lifestyle.
Can menstruation be normal even with a septate hymen?
Yes, absolutely. Even with a `(Septate Hymen)`, you can still have your period normally. Because, the two vaginal openings are large enough for menstrual blood to pass through. Therefore, there is no obstacle for menstrual blood to leave the body. Most of the time, the problem comes when you use a `(Tampon)` to collect menstrual blood. As mentioned earlier, the `(Tampon)` may not go in at all, or the `(Tampon)` may be difficult to remove because of the extra layer of tissue. However, sometimes, if both openings are large enough, you can use a `(Tampon)` without any problem.
How do doctors recognize this condition?
Doctors diagnose a septate hymen by visually examining your vagina. This can be done during a routine gynecological exam. When the doctor examines your vaginal opening, they will see an extra strip of skin below the hymen. This means that instead of one opening, you will see two clear openings. This is often diagnosed when you are young, either because of menstrual problems or because you are having difficulty having sex. Sometimes, it is discovered incidentally during a gynecological exam for another reason.
How is a Septate Hymen Treated?
Sometimes the extra layer of tissue in the `(Septate Hymen)` can stretch and tear on its own. For example, it can tear on its own during play or when you have sex for the first time. In that case, no treatment may be needed. However, if you try to force a `(Tampon)` into the vagina or try to force sex, tearing the hymen can be very painful, cause unnecessary bleeding, and possibly lead to infection.
Important: Rather than trying to force something into the vagina and tear the hymen, surgically repairing a ``Septate Hymen'' is much less painful and safer.
Hymenectomy surgery
The best and most permanent treatment for this is a minor surgery called a `Hymenectomy`. This involves removing the extra hymen. This surgery is usually done in a hospital or operating room, with you under general anesthesia. This means you won't feel anything during the surgery, you'll be asleep. You'll be able to go home a few hours after the surgery. You can resume normal activities within a few days, and you can have sex within two to four weeks, depending on your doctor's instructions.
In this `(Hymenectomy)` surgery, a gynecologist `(Gynecologist)` uses special scissors or a `(Scalpel)` (surgical knife) to carefully cut and remove the extra strip of tissue. Then, dissolvable stitches (which do not need to be removed later, they dissolve on their own) are placed and the edges of the hymen are connected to the vaginal wall. This creates a normal hymen, completely exposing the vaginal opening.
Long-term complications from a hymenectomy are rare. Most people recover quickly and without any problems. After the extra tissue is removed, most people can have normal periods, use tampons, and have sex without pain.
What are the possible complications during treatment?
Like any surgery, a hymenectomy can carry some risks. However, these are very rare and usually not serious.
- Inflammation or Swelling: The surgical site may be slightly swollen.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection.
- Excess Bleeding: There may be minor bleeding, but if there is excessive bleeding, you should tell your doctor.
- Scar Tissue: This happens very rarely.
- Injury to the Vagina: This is very unlikely to happen under the care of a skilled physician.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia: This is also very rare.
Your doctor will explain these things to you before the surgery. Don't worry, these don't happen very often.
Are there any side effects of correcting a Septate Hymen?
After treatment for `(Septate Hymen)`, that is, after surgery, the main side effects that may occur are some pain and soreness in the external part of the vagina `(Vulva)` and the area where the surgery was performed. This is normal. For this, you can use common painkillers (e.g. paracetamol) that you can buy at the pharmacy. Sometimes, the doctor may also prescribe you an antibiotic for a few days to prevent infection. After a while, these discomforts will completely disappear.
Can a Septate Hymen be prevented?
This is not something you can really control. The shape of your hymen is determined while you are still in your mother's womb. It is determined genetically and through fetal development. A `(Septate Hymen)` is caused by an extra strip of skin being pulled across the vaginal opening. So there is nothing you can do to prevent it. It is not your fault.
Does a Septate Hymen Cause Pain?
Yes, a septate hymen can cause pain. Most of the time, this pain occurs when you try to insert a tampon or something else (such as a penis during sex) into the vagina. The pain occurs when that extra strip of tissue stretches, pushes, or tears.
When should I see a doctor?
It's best to see a doctor if you have any of these:
- If you have persistent pain or discomfort during your period (especially if you use tampons).
- If you are unable to insert or remove a tampon.
- If there is excessive pain during sexual intercourse, or if there is too much difficulty in having sexual intercourse.
- If you often bleed or have pain after sex.
Also, if you have had surgery to repair a `(Septate Hymen)`, you should inform your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- A fever that doesn't go down after a few days.
- Excessive swelling, redness, or pain at the surgical site.
- Pus-like fluid draining from the surgical wound (these may be signs of infection).
- Excessive bleeding.
Final Take-Home Message
A condition called a `(Septate Hymen)` can cause painful symptoms when using a `(Tampon)` or having sex. But don't worry, you're not alone. Your doctor can diagnose this condition and remove the extra tissue from your vagina with a very safe and successful surgery. Many people who have been treated for a `(Septate Hymen)` are able to have a pain-free sex life and use `(Tampon)` normally.
So, if you have this kind of discomfort, don't be shy, don't be afraid, and don't delay any longer and seek medical advice. That's the best thing you can do for yourself. Taking care of your health and well-being is very important.
` Hymen, Septate Hymen, Vagina, Tampon, Painful Intercourse, Hymenectomy, Women's Health, Gynecology
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