Is there a strange division in your vagina? Let's find out exactly what this (Vaginal Septum) is?

You too may have some kind of problem during your period, right? Maybe you feel uncomfortable when you use a tampon, or you may feel pain during sex. The reason for these things may be something you don't even think about, something a little different. Today, we are going to talk about such a rare, but very important situation that we are all aware of.

What is this vaginal septum?

Simply put, a vaginal septum is an extra wall of tissue inside your vagina that divides the vagina, either completely or partially, into two parts.

How is the vagina formed?

You know, the vagina is a long, muscular tube that leads to the entrance to your uterus, which is the cervix. It is through this vagina that blood comes out during menstruation, through which we insert a tampon if we use it, and through which the penis enters during sexual intercourse.

How is a `(Vaginal Septum)` formed?

This condition called `(Vaginal Septum)` is a birth defect in the vagina. That is, it is not something that you develop later. It is something that is present at birth. This happens when the vagina does not form properly while the baby is in the mother's womb, that is, during `(fetal development)`. This is not something that can be seen from the outside. Therefore, you may not know that you have this until you start menstruating or become sexually active.

Are there any types of `(Vaginal Septum)`?

Yes, there are two main types of vaginal hymens. This classification is based on the direction in which the hymen is located.

Transverse Vaginal Septum

In this type, a wall of tissue forms across the vagina, as if the vaginal canal is divided into an upper and lower part. This can also be of two types:

Complete Transverse Septum

What happens in this case is that the vaginal opening is completely blocked by the hymen. Then, during menstruation, the blood has no way to come out, and it can collect in the upper part of the vagina or in the uterus. This can cause pain and swelling in the lower abdomen. Imagine, there is a young girl named Nimali. She has menstrual cramps every month, but the blood comes out very little, and some months it does not come at all. It is only when she goes to a doctor that she finds out that she has this kind of complete hymen.

Perforated Transverse Septum

In this case, there's a small hole or opening in that membrane.. Therefore, the vagina is not completely blocked. Menstrual blood can come out of that small hole. Because of this, menstruation can last a few days longer than usual. Because it takes longer for all the blood to come out.

Longitudinal Vaginal Septum

In this type, the vagina is divided into two parts lengthwise, that is, vertically . It feels like two vaginal openings. Sometimes this is also called a "double vagina." In this condition, menstrual blood can come out. However, problems can arise when you try to use a tampon. Think about Anusha. Even if she puts in a tampon, the bleeding sometimes won't stop. She thought she couldn't insert the tampon properly. Later, a doctor told her that because of this long dividing membrane, she has two vaginal openings, and if she puts a tampon in one, blood can come out of the other hole.

Important: Many people with this type of hymen may also have birth defects in their uterus and cervix. For example, they may have two uteruses and two cervixes (didelphic uterus).

Is this situation very common?

No, this condition called ``Vaginal Septum'' is actually very rare . It is reported in less than 0.03% of newborn babies. That is, less than three in ten thousand.

Can someone with a `(Vaginal Septum)` not have a baby?

Yes, it is definitely possible to have a baby. However, in most cases, if this membrane is present, it is safest to remove it surgically first. Doing so can significantly reduce the risk of complications during conception, pregnancy, and delivery.

What are the symptoms of a `(Vaginal Septum)`?

Some people may have a hymen without any symptoms. They live a normal life. Sometimes a doctor finds it by chance when they are doing a pelvic exam for another reason. However, for many people, symptoms start to appear after they start menstruating or become sexually active.

These are the symptoms that are often seen:

• Amenorrhea: Some young girls may not start menstruating until they are 15-16 years old.
• Menstruation lasting longer than 7 days: Menstruation, which normally lasts 3-5 days, can last as long as 7-10 days for those with this condition. This is because blood leaks out of a small hole in the membrane.
• Pain in the lower abdomen and vagina: This pain can occur due to a complete rupture of the septum, especially during menstruation.
• Not being able to use a tampon:The tampon may not fit properly, or the bleeding may not stop even after it is put in (especially if there is a long diaphragm).
• Pain when inserting or removing a tampon: This can happen because the vagina is narrow or has an odd shape.
• Feeling pain and discomfort during sex.
• Difficulty conceiving.

Why does this `(Vaginal Septum)` occur?

This is not something you did wrong. It's not something you ate or something you did. This is a completely congenital disorder . That means it's something that's in your body from the moment you're born.

To be precise, the vagina begins to form when the baby is in the mother's womb, around six weeks later. Then, there are two channels called 'Müllerian ducts'. These two channels come together and fuse to form one vagina. It's like putting two pieces of pipe together. However, what happens in people with this `(Vaginal Septum)` is that the two channels don't come together exactly. There is a slight deficiency in this fusion process. It's not yet known exactly why this happens. And there are no specific risk factors for this.

Can a vaginal septum cause other complications?

Yes, there are several other problems associated with this condition. That is, a person with a ``Vaginal Septum`` is more likely to experience the following:

• Other vaginal disorders or uterine malformations: For example, having two uteruses.
• Any problems with your kidneys or rectum/anus.
• Difficulty conceiving a child.

How do you diagnose this?

Most of the time, your doctor suspects that you have a vaginal septum during a routine exam, especially a pelvic exam . They will then order further tests to confirm the suspicion and determine exactly what type of septum it is and how far it has spread.

Such tests are:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This can very clearly see the condition of the vagina and surrounding tissues.
• Ultrasound scan: This can also check for any changes in the condition of the inside of the vagina and organs like the uterus.

These tests can also confirm other abnormalities in your reproductive tract, such as whether you have two uteruses.

How to treat this `(Vaginal Septum)`?

Not everyone needs treatment for this ``Vaginal Septum''.If you have no symptoms, your periods are normal, you have no problems having sex, and you are not having any problems having children, you may not need treatment. Your doctor will talk to you about this and help you make the best decision.

Is surgery the best solution?

In most cases, the best and most permanent solution is to have surgery to remove this extra wall of tissue. This surgery can help prevent complications during pregnancy and childbirth, especially if you have symptoms or are planning to have children in the future.

In rare cases, this membrane may tear spontaneously during sexual activity. In that case, surgery may not be necessary.

What happens after the surgery?

The surgery involves removing the extra tissue wall that is blocking or dividing the vagina. This creates a single, complete vaginal canal. During the surgery, any old blood that has accumulated inside the vagina is also removed.

This surgery usually takes a few hours. And, in a hospital, it's done under general anesthesia . That means you're completely asleep, so you don't feel any pain.

Benefits after surgery include:

• Your period will start to come normally, without interruption.
• If someone has never had menstruation before, it can also occur.
• If you are expecting a child, the risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth are greatly reduced.
• The ability to conceive a child increases.
• The pain and discomfort during sex are gone.
• Even a tampon can be used without any problems.

Can this ``Vaginal Septum'' grow back after surgery?

No, this `(Vaginal Septum)` cannot grow back after being surgically removed. Because, as we've discussed before, this is caused by a developmental change that occurs during the embryonic stage. Therefore, once that tissue is removed, the body cannot regenerate it.

What can you expect if you have a `(Vaginal Septum)`?

This can vary from person to person. Some people can live their entire lives with this `(Vaginal Septum)` without any symptoms or health problems. They may even go without any treatment.

However, for others, it can cause painful symptoms, menstrual problems, or difficulty conceiving. In such cases, treatment is definitely needed.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the symptoms listed below, it is very important to see a doctor, especially a gynecologist, for advice:

• If there is pain during sexual intercourse.
• If menstruation is very painful.
• If you cannot use a tampon, or if you have problems inserting it.
• If you have frequent pain in your lower abdomen.
• If menstruation is irregular or has stopped completely (in the absence of pregnancy).

If you suspect you have this, don't be afraid to talk to a doctor. Not everyone feels pain, so you may not even know you have it. A doctor can examine you and, if necessary, do an MRI or ultrasound scan to tell you for sure whether you have this condition. They will then explain to you what treatment options are right for you and what the risks are if you don't get treatment. Remember, this condition called a vaginal septum can be completely cured with surgery.

Take-Home Message

Vaginal Septum is a condition in which an extra wall of tissue forms inside the vagina, causing the vagina to divide. This is a congenital condition.

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Symptoms can include menstrual irregularities, pain, difficulty using tampons, pain during sex, and delayed fertility. However, some people may not have any symptoms at all.

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A vaginal examination and MRI or ultrasound scan can help to find this out for sure.

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In most cases, surgery can resolve the problem by removing this membrane.

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If you have any doubts or questions about this, don't be afraid to talk to a doctor. That's the best thing you can do.

` Vagina, septum, menstrual cycle, women's health, gynecology, birth defects