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A hymen is a fusion of the labia minora when the small inner lips around the entrance to the vagina seal together.

In some cases, this can completely seal the vaginal opening, leaving a very small gap at the front through which urine passes. It is quite common in girls under the age of 7 and is usually nothing to worry about.

Causes of hymen

It is not certain what causes hymen, but it usually occurs as a result of irritation or inflammation of the vaginal area, known as vaginitis. This causes a sticky texture to the inner labia of the vagina. Without enough estrogen in the body, which is normal before puberty, the labia can remain stuck together and gradually fuse together.

Is it dangerous?

A labia minora is not associated with any medical condition and has no long-term effects on your child. It will not affect her future fertility or sex life. In most cases, a labia minora will correct itself during puberty.

Rare complications include:

• infection (such as a urinary tract infection)
• pain in the genital area
• trapping of urine in the vagina, leading to urine leakage between visits to the bathroom.

Treatment

A labia minora usually resolves naturally without treatment when the girl enters puberty. Treatment is not recommended unless there are complications, as mentioned above. Treatment is with estrogen cream or ointment applied daily or, very rarely, with surgical separation.

Estrogen creams

A small drop of cream or ointment is applied daily to the center line of the labia minora. This should be continued for 4 to 6 weeks until the membrane begins to dissolve and the labia eventually separate completely.

You should stop applying the cream when the membrane dissolves. To help the labia minora heal properly and prevent another labia minora from forming, continue to apply an emollient, such as diaper rash cream, for a few months after the labia minora separates.

Do not apply estrogen creams and ointments for more than 6 weeks.

Side effects may include:

• irritation around the genital area
• temporary darkening of the skin in the genital area
• vaginal spotting or bleeding after stopping the cream or ointment

The side effects stop after stopping the estrogen cream or ointment.

Surgery

Surgery is considered a very rare treatment and is performed under general anesthesia.

It may be considered if:

• an estrogen cream or ointment does not work
• a hymen is particularly thick and severe
• urine cannot drain, resulting in it remaining in the vagina, which can drip after urination and cause pain or urinary tract infections.

To allow the edges of the labia to heal properly and prevent the formation of another surgical fusion, it is recommended to apply an emollient, such as diaper rash cream or petroleum jelly, to the labia for a few weeks afterward. There is a high chance that the hymen will return after treatment, whether it is estrogen cream or surgery.

In any case, the important thing to remember is that the hymen will not leave your child with any pathology.

Therefore, avoid subjecting your child to physically or mentally painful treatments that will cause them stress. Calmness is the best advisor for a child to have a healthy relationship with their body.