Transverse Vaginal Septum

Also known as: vaginal septum.

What is transverse vaginal septum?

A transverse vaginal septum is a birth defect occurring during development that results in a wall of scar-like tissue (septum) running horizontally across the vagina which blocks all or part of the vagina.

What causes transverse vaginal septum?

The cause is unknown.

What are the symptoms of transverse vaginal septum?

Symptoms include no, or longer monthly periods, and abdominal pain from blood not being able to drain normally from the upper part of the vagina. In older adolescents, pain may occur during intercourse.

What are transverse vaginal septum care options?

Treatment is usually surgical removal. A device called a vaginal dilator may needed to be used after the procedure to help the vagina retain its normal shape.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 26, 2019 01:15 PM