Imperforate Hymen: A Report of a Case With Classical Signs

Cureus. 2024 Mar 12;16(3):e56014. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56014. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

An imperforate hymen (IH) is a condition where the hymen, which is a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening, completely obstructs the vaginal canal. This condition is associated with problems such as pelvic mass, cyclical abdominal discomfort, and difficulty in urination. The occurrence of IH is quite rare, with an incidence of only one in 1000-10,000 women worldwide. We discuss a classical case of primary amenorrhoea with associated complaints of urinary retention and its management by hymenotomy (cruciate incision). We also considered the risk of hymen re-closure due to the lack of estrogenization of genital tissue and offered the patient the option of vaginal molding.

Keywords: cyclical pelvic discomfort; female external genitalia; hematocolpos; hematometra; hymen; hymenectomy; hymenotomy; imperforate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports