Content
Female phimosis is a rare condition characterized by adherence of the small lips of the vagina, causing them to stick together and cover the vaginal opening. In some cases, it can also cover the clitoris, decreasing sensitivity and may result in anorgasmia and sexual changes.
Phimosis is more frequent in girls up to three years of age, but it can last until around 10 years of age, being recommended by the doctor the use of ointments to detach the small lips. However, in cases where the use of ointments is not sufficient, surgery may be recommended. It is very important to carry out the treatment correctly, as female phimosis can increase the chances of having urinary infections, discharge, pain when urinating and a bad smell from the urine.
Causes of female phimosis
The cause of female phimosis is still not well established, however, it can arise due to the low concentration of female hormones, which is characteristic of childhood, and irritation of the mucosa of the vagina by contact with urine or feces in the diaper.
In addition, phimosis in women may be associated with skin diseases, such as lichen planus and lichen sclerosus, mainly, which is characterized by genital alterations and which leads to the appearance of white lesions in the genital region. See how to identify lichen sclerosus and how it should be treated.
How is the treatment
The treatment of female phimosis is usually started after 12 months of age with the application of an estrogen-based ointment on the affected region, about 3 times a day, for a period of 3 to 4 weeks.
Ointments for female phimosis are usually sufficient to treat the problem, however phimosis may reoccur and it may be necessary to re-apply the ointment or resort to surgery, for example. See which ointments are used for phimosis.
Surgery for female phimosis
Surgery for female phimosis is more used in cases where there is a total closure of the vagina, not allowing the girl to urinate properly, or when it was not possible to correct the problem with just the application of the ointment.
Generally, surgery is performed under local anesthesia in the pediatrician's office and, therefore, hospitalization is not necessary. The main care is to apply the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ointments prescribed by the doctor to prevent infections. Find out how phimosis surgery is done.
How to speed up recovery
During treatment for female phimosis, it is important to take some precautions such as:
- Perform the intimate hygiene of the child from the vagina to the anus;
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight or tight clothing;
- Use neutral soaps or indicated by the pediatrician to perform the child's intimate hygiene, avoiding products with aromas or smells;
- Prevent the child from touching the intimate area;
- Place ointment for roasting only in the anal area, if necessary.
This care speeds up treatment and prevents the reappearance of phimosis, if it has already been treated with the ointment or surgery.