Aunt Vadge: have I discovered a double vagina?
Hi Aunt Vadge,
I’ve always suffered with pain during and after sex and struggled to use tampons but never really known why. Until recently when I was brave enough to get a mirror down there and have a closer look. I opened up the opening to my vagina using my two fingers and saw something that surely isn’t normal…
I obviously got straight on Google to find out if anyone else had the same problem! I came across this diagram but couldn’t really get any more information. It’s sort of like a growth that looks like the first diagram! Do you know what this is??!
Sincerely,
Suffering
____
Dear Suffering,
It seems as if you may have what’s known as a longitudinal vaginal septum (or the double vagina), which is an anatomical abnormality (you are born with it) that is sometimes discovered when you are a child.
Usually it’s happens the way you discovered it: pain when you try to have sex or use tampons, and with yours, you can clearly see it. Because we don’t look at ourselves nearly enough, it can go unnoticed for a long time.
It is recommended that you go and get examined by an experienced gynaecological doctor, since many doctors may never have seen this and you need someone who knows what to do with it.
They are easy enough to surgically remove without complication, and you can go on with no interruption to your fertility or sex life, and you will be able to use tampons without pain. (If that is what’s wrong! It could also be a hymenal interruption, however usually with any sexual activity or tampon use, that resolves itself.)
Read about longitudinal vaginal septa here.
No matter what, you should be examined to see what’s going on, and what you can do about it.
Write back anytime – we’d love to know how you go!
Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge
