(071) Vulvo-vaginal Obliteration: Presentation of 6 Cases

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Between December 2018 and July 2022, six cases of vulvovaginal fusion (obliteration) were diagnosed, evaluated, and treated at our centers. Less than 30 cases have been reported according to our reviews of the medical literature. All of the cases presented shared certain features such as more than 2 decades without sex or masturbation, no use of hormone replacement therapy, and a history of chronic urinary tract infections. Objective 1. Present information from 6 cases of a rare genitourinary disorder, its diagnosis, medical & surgical management, follow-up, and resolution. 2. Place vulvovaginal obliteration or labial fusion as one of the most extreme late consequences of untreated genitourinary syndrome of menopause. 3. Emphasize not only the importance of the use of local estrogen in all women going through menopause but also clarify and promote the importance of the maintenance of penetrative sexual activity in the lives of older women. This can be achieved either naturally or with the use of dilators and sexual toys. Methods We analyzed 6 cases of patients with vulvo-vaginal obliteration that presented in our facilities. Results Analysis of the 6 cases showed: In 3 out of the 6 cases, the patient didn’t have a partner, while in the other 3 cases, they were not sexually active with their partner in any way. In 2 of the cases, the patient’s main complaint was the inability to urinate due to obstruction of the urethral outlet by a fused labia. In both cases, urinary leakage from overflow was present in the area of the posterior fourchette, along with urocolpos, an extremely distended urinary bladder, bilateral megaureter, and hydronephrosis. The ages of these 6 women were between 72 to 94. The most severe case involved a patient with the longest time without penetration (> 30 years). Conclusions Total and partial vulvovaginal obliteration is a disease that hasn’t been commonly described. By obtaining the sexual history of each patient and the practice of geriatric gynecology, we have been able to diagnose this disorder. There is no doubt that vulvovaginal obliteration, also known as labial fusion, is one of the most extreme complications of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause but has not been medically described as part of its findings up till now. The prevention and treatment include not only the local use of estrogen but also the education of the patients on the need to maintain penetrative sexual activity in order to prevent the atrophy of the genitourinary area and maintain its functional ability. This can be done with a partner, penetrative dilators, or sexual toys. Disclosure No