Clumping, or synechia, of the labia minora in girls is a fairly common phenomenon. It occurs mainly in infancy or somewhat later, but up to 6 years. The disease is asymptomatic. It is possible to detect it by accident while caring for a child or during a medical examination by a doctor.
Anatomical reference
The vulva is a kind of vaginal lock. It is formed due to the close contact of the inner surface of the labia minora and labia majora. This should be normal in a healthy body.
The tight closure of the genital fissure depends on the integrity of the perineum and helps to protect the vagina from pollution from the external environment. It prevents the penetration of air and the rapid evaporation of vaginal secretions with drying of the vaginal mucosa.
The labia minora are two skin longitudinal folds. They are characterized by a good blood supply system, contain a large number of glands. Normally, 2/3 of their surface fits snugly against each other. However, under the influence of a number of factors, their coalescence may occur. In medical practice, this diagnosis sounds like synechia. Fusion can be complete and incomplete, occur in any area.
Disease Description
Synechia is a clumping that occurs due to the appearance of adhesions between the internal or external parts of the body. Such adhesions can affect the labia minora, less often - large. This phenomenon is not dangerous, but requires medical supervision. It occurs mainly in infants and children up to 6-7 years old.
According to ICD-10, the synechia of the labia minora have the code Q52.5.
Main reasons
The reasons for the development of pathology can vary. In newborns, they are caused by a pathological pregnancy or intrauterine infection.
In preschool age, synechia can be caused by:
- transferred diseases of the genitourinary sphere of an infectious nature (cystitis, vulvovaginitis, vulvitis);
- domestic transmission of viruses;
- poor hygiene of the genitals, the use of aggressive cosmetics;
- allergic reactions to washing powder, diapers, wet wipes;
- hormonal imbalance (estrogen deficiency);
- the use of underwear made of synthetic materials;
- taking certain medications;
- intestinal dysbiosis.
Signs of pathology
A feature of the synechia of the small lips in girls is the almost complete absence of characteristic symptoms. In some cases, there are difficulties with urination. Another desire to urinate ends with grunting and intense straining. Usually everything leads to tantrum and crying. After urination, relief comes.
Among the other symptoms of the disorder, the following can be distinguished:
- redness, peeling of the skin in the genital area;
- mucosal irritation;
- crying baby while bathing or washing;
- the direction of the urine stream up.
In girls after the first year of life and older, leakage of urine is possible.
How to inspect yourself?
Quite often, the synechia of the small lips in girls is an accidental find. Pathology is detected during hygiene procedures or at a doctor's appointment. The child is hospitalized with signs of the disease, but the true cause of its occurrence cannot be established immediately. For example, at a consultation with a pediatric gynecologist due to poor urinalysis or the lack of effect from the treatment of cystitis, fusion is detected.
In order to prevent complications of pathologies, parents should periodically independently examine the child's genitals. It is first necessary to wash your hands and shave your nails briefly so as not to injure the baby's skin. Spreading her legs, you should examine the genitals in detail. In this case, attention should be paid to the presence of a sexual gap through which the vagina is visible. If a whitish strip is visible instead, and the desire to push the labia minora ends unsuccessfully, there is a high probability of synechia. On the contrary, fusion of the labia majora is rare.
It is worth noting that if any anomalies are suspected, parents should contact a pediatrician or pediatric gynecologist. Do not be shy about your guesses and assumptions, because timely treatment is a guarantee of a quick recovery.
Danger of disease
The synechia of the small lips in girls cannot be considered as a natural process, the symptoms of which can be ignored. This phenomenon rarely leads to a dangerous complication. However, it entails the development of various infectious processes. When gluing the labia, a closed cavity is formed in the vagina, in which vaginal secretions gradually accumulate. They, in turn, create favorable conditions for the life of the pathogenic flora, resulting in inflammation. The progression of the disease simultaneously with the growth of the female genital organs is fraught with problems with conception and subsequent delivery.
Synechia is an insidious disorder prone to relapse. If the fusion has arisen in a small area, it is likely that if the hygiene and proper care rules are followed, it will disappear. Complete synechia of the small lips in girls is a great danger. It can be cured only with timely access to medical care. Relying on self-disappearance is not worth it. It is better to eliminate the pathology before the onset of puberty.
Diagnostic Methods
To establish the diagnosis of “synechia of the labia minora” (code according to ICD-10 - Q52.5), a visual examination is sufficient for the doctor. During the procedure, he assesses the degree of adhesion, the presence of concomitant inflammation. Additionally, sometimes the doctor prescribes additional tests to clarify the causes of the pathology. For example, a general urine test eliminates inflammation of the urogenital sphere, and a smear - vulvitis. Sowing on the flora is also performed to assess sensitivity to certain types of antibiotics.
A pediatric doctor can ask a number of clarifying questions about the child’s regimen, care for him, nutrition, past ailments. Accurate answers help to determine the root cause of the violation and prescribe treatment as fully as possible.
Local therapy
Doctors differ on the need for treatment of synechia of the small lips in girls. Some experts argue that the pathology should not be touched until 10 years. They explain this by the fact that by a given age, the body begins to synthesize its own hormone estrogen. Therefore, the problem is resolved independently. Other doctors insist on conducting therapy conservatively or operatively.
Local treatment comes down to the use of a drug such as Kontraktubeks, estrogen-containing ointments and creams (Ovestin). Consider what each of the means is in more detail.
"Kontraktubeks" is an anti-inflammatory drug that has a bactericidal effect. Well heals wound surfaces. The tool instruction recommends applying twice a day to a damaged surface. Greater results can be obtained by combining it with Traumeel S or Bepanten. The duration of treatment is 20 days. You can use the drug for preventive purposes. The only contraindication to its purpose is individual hypersensitivity to incoming components.
"Ovestin" is a hormonal drug whose active substance is estriol. The ointment is recommended to be applied in a thin layer before bedtime. Do not wear the diaper until it is completely absorbed. The duration of treatment is 20 days, after which you need to take a break for a week. If itching, rashes or mucus from the vagina occurs, therapy should be stopped and the doctor should be re-consulted to select an analog remedy.
Conservative treatment also prescribes medications to combat concomitant health problems. For example, in case of urinary tract infection, the doctor should prescribe antibiotics. With vulvitis and vulvovaginitis, the use of antiviral and antifungal drugs is indicated. If an allergic reaction occurs, antihistamines are needed.
Surgical intervention
If conservative treatment of synechia of the small lips in girls is ineffective, surgical intervention using local anesthesia is recommended. The operation is completely safe, rarely accompanied by complications in the form of bleeding or discomfort. Its duration is no more than 20 minutes.
After dissecting the synechia of the labia minora, the doctor treats the wound with an antiseptic solution. An hour after the intervention, the child together with his parents can go home. After the operation, thorough treatment of the genitals with special creams and the observance of elementary rules of personal hygiene are still required for some time.
Massage
Massage is used as an additional measure in the treatment of synechia of the labia minora in infants and girls of preschool age. You must first consult a doctor.
Before the procedure, a regular baby cream should be applied to the affected area. After the agent is completely absorbed, you can proceed directly to the massage. At the same time, manipulations should be smooth and careful, but slightly pressing. You can not make sudden movements, trying to separate the glued labia. They can cause psychological discomfort in the girl or even injury.
Help traditional medicine
Folk doctors offer their recipes on how to deal with the synechia of the small lips in girls. A feature of this treatment method is its full naturalness. In this case, additional harm to the children's body is not inflicted.
The most popular remedy is calendula oil. It has anti-inflammatory, tonic and sedative effects. The tool is sold in almost every pharmacy. It is recommended to apply it in a thin layer, it is better after an evening swim.
Another effective method is sedentary baths with chamomile. The plant is characterized by a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. The procedure can be repeated daily, but you should first consult with your doctor.
Prevention Methods
The synechia of the small lips in girls is a very complex phenomenon that can be felt again even after surgery. The problem disappears forever after puberty. To reduce the risk of relapse, doctors make the following recommendations:
- It is better to wash the child under running water, to minimize the use of cosmetics.
- Underwear is better to choose from natural materials. It is also necessary to ensure that the panties do not rub the skin.
- It is important to regularly visit a pediatric gynecologist.
- It is necessary to change diapers in a timely manner, often arrange air baths for the child.
- It is better to choose cosmetic products, toilet paper and other care products without dyes and fragrances.
- In the last trimester, it is important for women to actively fight under the supervision of a gynecologist with manifestations of late toxicosis, if any. We are talking about high blood pressure, protein in the urine, edema. These problems can lead to complications during childbirth, the appearance of pathologies in the newborn.
Synechia of the small lips in girls (according to ICD-10 code Q52.5) is a condition that requires medical intervention and constant monitoring after recovery. Otherwise, in the future you may encounter problems of conception and successful delivery.