Vaginal atresia

TL;DR

Vaginal atresia is a medical condition characterized by a closed or non-existent vagina, resulting from various congenital abnormalities such as vaginal hypoplasia, vaginal agenesis, an imperforate hymen, or a transverse vaginal septum. These conditions can lead to significant health issues, including abdominal pain and the accumulation of menstrual blood.

Vaginal atresia is a description for the condition whereby the vagina is closed off for some reason or doesn’t actually exist. Atresia means narrowing of a body cavity or passage.

Vaginal atresia has three causes:

1. Vaginal hypoplasia This is the underdevelopment or incomplete development of the vagina – is a congenital anatomical abnormality found in girls, and is caused when the foetus is growing in the womb.

2. Vaginal agenesis This is the name given to the complete absence of a vagina, one that never developed. This is a congenital abnormality.

3. An imperforate hymen This the condition whereby the hymen completely closes off the vaginal canal, disallowing exit by fluids, which then build up. This is noticed either at birth or at puberty, as menstrual blood is blocked from coming out, and builds up in the vagina.

4. A transverse vaginal septum This is a septum in the vagina that causes blockages, and manifests in abdominal pain when menstrual blood or other fluids accumulate in the vagina.



Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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