Vaginal septum

"Double vagina" redirects here. For the two lateral vaginas which are normally present in female marsupials, see Marsupial female reproductive system.

Vaginal septum
Classification and external resources
Specialty
ICD-10	Q52.1
ICD-9-CM	752.49, 752.47, 752.46
Patient UK	Vaginal septum

A vaginal septum is a congenital partition within the vagina; such a septum could be either longitudinal or transverse.

Longitudinal septum – double vagina

A longitudinal vaginal septum develops during embryogenesis when there is an incomplete fusion of the lower parts of the two Müllerian ducts. As a result, there is a double vagina. There may be associated duplications of the more cranial parts of the Müllerian derivatives, a double cervix, and either a uterine septum or uterus didelphys (double uterus).

The person with a longitudinal vaginal septum may be asymptomatic and not aware of the condition. If dyspareunia is a problem a simple resection of the septum could be performed.

Transverse septum

A transverse septum can form during embryogenesis when the Müllerian ducts fuse improperly to the urogenital sinus. Its incidence is estimated at 1 in 30,000 to 1 in 80,000 women. A complete transverse septum will block menstrual flow and is a cause of primary amenorrhea. The accumulation of menstrual debris behind the septum is termed cryptomenorrhea. Some transverse septa are incomplete and may lead to dyspareunia or obstruction in labor. A surgical incision will relieve the situation.

Additional images

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  Complete double female reproductive vaginas, double cervix and double uterus.