imperforate hymen

Etiology

• failure of the hymen to perforate during fetal development

Pathology

• hymen without an opening completely obstructs the vagina

Clinical manifestations

• monthly lower abdominal pain & abdominal cramping (symptoms of period)
• normal development of pubic hair & breasts
• normal secondary sexual characteristics
• amenorrhea

Differential diagnosis

• congenital absence of uterus
  • not associated with monthly abdominal cramping
• vaginal aplasia
  • abnormal secondary sexual characteristics
• bicornate uterus or unicornate uterus
  • not associated with amenorrhea

Management

• hymenectomy

More general terms

• vaginal disorder
• developmental disorder