Imperforate Hymen

también conocido como: pediatric imperforate hymen.

What is imperforate hymen?

The hymen is a thin layer of tissue that commonly surrounds the vaginal opening in girls. If the hymen covers the entire vaginal opening, it is known as imperforate hymen. It is a birth defect.

What causes imperforate hymen?

The cause of an imperforate hymen, which is congenital abnormality (present at birth) is not known.

What are the symptoms of imperforate hymen?

Frequently there are no symptoms until the girl reaches puberty, when the imperforate hymen prevents blood from flowing out of the vagina during menstruation (amenorrhea). When the blood distend the vagina, it can lead to stomach fullness or pain, back pain or difficulty with going to the bathroom (both to urinate and/pass stool).