Fused Labia (Labial Adhesions)

The medial edges of the labia minora sometimes become adherent — probably from a combination of thin, prepubescent vaginal mucosa and minor irritation. See also vaginal discharge & vulvovaginitis.

Management

A normal variant that resolves spontaneously in late childhood. Provided the child can void easily, reassurance is the only treatment needed.

Not recommended: manual separation of the adhesions (distressing for the child, high recurrence rate) or oestrogen creams (also high recurrence).