Hymenal atresia – a rare congenital anomaly with the risk of late diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: Comprehensive analysis of causes, clinical signs, diagnostic process, differential diagnosis and therapy of hymenal atresia. Methods: Literature search using the Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed databases with keywords and analysis of articles published in high impact and reviewed journals. Results: Hymenal atresia is a congenital malformation of a woman's genitals, which is manifested by complete obstruction of the vaginal introitus by a closed hymen. It should be diagnosed in the neonatal period, but clinically it usually manifests itself only during puberty as a result of menstrual blood retention (cryptomenorrhea) with the cyclic abdominal pain at monthly intervals. The therapy is based on optimally timed surgical creation of communication in the hymen (hymenotomy, hymenectomy) enabling free evacuation of menstrual contents. The aim of this simple treatment method is immediate subjective relief from pain and a permanent solution to this congenital anomaly. Conclusion: Knowledge of all types of congenital malformations of the female genitalia is a basic condition for an early and effective diagnostic process in adolescent girls with abdominal pain. The girl who has not yet menstruated and has cyclic lower abdominal pain and a tumor behind the pubic symphysis should be examined by a specialist in pediatric and adolescent gynecology who will confirm hymenal atresia according to a bluish and closed hymen, and suggest prompt and effective therapy. Key words: hymenal atresia – hematocolpos – hymen – hymenectomy – hymenotomy