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Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Mar 2020Anomalies in the müllerian ducts are congenital alterations with more prevalence than it is imagined, varying from 0.5 to 6.7% in the general population and up to 16.7%... (Review)
Review
Anomalies in the müllerian ducts are congenital alterations with more prevalence than it is imagined, varying from 0.5 to 6.7% in the general population and up to 16.7% in women with recurrent miscarriage. The main findings are primary amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, sexual difficulties and low self-esteem. The major impact on the quality of life in women stricken by these problems justifies this study, whose objective is to analyze their most important aspects such as etiopathogeny, classification, diagnostic methods and proposed treatments. The research was performed on the Medline-PubMed database from 1904 to 2018. The American Fertility Society, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy classify malformations as: Class 1/U5bC4V4: agenesis or hypoplasia of uterus and vagina; Class 1/U5aC4V4: cervical hypoplasia, associated with total or partial vaginal agenesis; Class 2/U4: unicornuate uterus; Class 3/U3bC2V1 or Class3/U3bC2V2: uterus didelphys; Class 4/U3C0: bicornuate uterus; Class 5/U2: septate uterus; Class 6: arcuate uterus; Class 7/U1: induced by diethylstilbestrol, represented by a T-shaped uterus; and V3: transverse vaginal septum. The diagnostic methods are the two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound, MRI, hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography, X-ray hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Some müllerian malformations are healed with surgery and/or self-dilatation. For vaginal agenesis, dilatation by Frank technique shows good results while malformations with obstruction of the menstrual flow need to be rapidly treated by surgery.
Topics: Adult; Congenital Abnormalities; Dysmenorrhea; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Hysterosalpingography; Hysteroscopy; Laparoscopy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mullerian Ducts; Pelvic Pain; Pregnancy; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Ultrasonography; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 32127135
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.01.003 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Aug 2020Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital disorder characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper part... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital disorder characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal secondary sex characteristics and a normal female karyotype (46,XX).
MAIN BODY
The diagnosis is often made during adolescence following investigations for primary amenorrhea and has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 live female births. MRKH syndrome is classified as type I (isolated uterovaginal aplasia) or type II (associated with extragenital manifestations). Extragenital anomalies typically include renal, skeletal, ear, or cardiac malformations. The etiology of MRKH syndrome still remains elusive, however increasing reports of familial clustering point towards genetic causes and the use of various genomic techniques has allowed the identification of promising recurrent genetic abnormalities in some patients. The psychosexual impact of having MRKH syndrome should not be underestimated and the clinical care foremost involves thorough counselling and support in careful dialogue with the patient. Vaginal agenesis therapy is available for mature patients following therapeutical counselling and education with non-invasive vaginal dilations recommended as first-line therapy or by surgery. MRKH syndrome involves absolute uterine factor infertility and until recently, the only option for the patients to achieve biological motherhood was through gestational surrogacy, which is prohibited in most countries. However, the successful clinical trial of uterus transplantation (UTx) by a Swedish team followed by the first live-birth in September, 2014 in Gothenburg, proofed the first available fertility treatment in MRKH syndrome and UTx is now being performed in other countries around the world allowing women with MRKH syndrome to carry their own child and achieve biological motherhood.
CONCLUSION
Several advances in research across multiple disciplines have been made in the recent years and this kaleidoscopic review provides a current status of various key aspects in MRKH syndrome and provides perspectives for future research and improved clinical care.
Topics: 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development; Adolescent; Child; Congenital Abnormalities; Female; Humans; Mullerian Ducts; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 32819397
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01491-9 -
Frontiers of Medicine Dec 2022This review presents an update of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome on its etiologic, clinical, diagnostic, psychological, therapeutic, and reproductive... (Review)
Review
This review presents an update of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome on its etiologic, clinical, diagnostic, psychological, therapeutic, and reproductive aspects. The etiology of MRKH syndrome remains unclear due to its intrinsic heterogeneity. Nongenetic and genetic causes that may interact during the embryonic development have been proposed with no definitive etiopathogenesis identified. The proportion of concomitant extragenital malformations varies in different studies, and the discrepancies may be explained by ethnic differences. In addition to physical examination and pelvic ultrasound, the performance of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging is crucial in detecting the presence of rudimentary uterine endometrium. MRKH syndrome has long-lasting psychological effects on patients, resulting in low esteem, poor coping strategies, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Providing psychological counseling and peer support to diagnosed patients is recommended. Proper and timely psychological intervention could significantly improve a patient's outcome. Various nonsurgical and surgical methods have been suggested for treatment of MRKH syndrome. Due to the high success rate and minimal risk of complications, vaginal dilation has been proven to be the first-line therapy. Vaginoplasty is the second-line option for patients experiencing dilation failure. Uterine transplantation and gestational surrogacy are options for women with MRKH syndrome to achieve biological motherhood.
Topics: Humans; Female; 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development; Urogenital Abnormalities; Mullerian Ducts; Vagina
PubMed: 36562950
DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0969-3 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Feb 2020Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a condition describing the hypoestrogenic effects on the female genitals and lower urinary tract leading to symptoms such as... (Review)
Review
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a condition describing the hypoestrogenic effects on the female genitals and lower urinary tract leading to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, vulvar and vaginal burning, dyspareunia and dysuria. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is experienced by over half of postmenopausal women, and is even more pervasive in women with cancer. Due to treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy, women may experience early menopause resulting in earlier and more severe symptoms. Understanding the scope of this issue in female breast and gynecologic cancer survivors and identifying treatment options for this complex patient population are paramount. Tailored patient treatments include nonhormonal therapies (vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, pelvic floor physical therapy, dilator therapy, counseling), systemic and local hormonal therapies. Consensus recommendations by medical societies and associated evidence are reviewed, with emphasis on safety and efficacy of local vaginal hormonal therapies, and management variations noted depending on cancer type and characteristics. With knowledge and understanding of the unmet need associated with under-recognition and under-treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, providers caring for women with cancer are in a position to improve the quality of life of their patients by providing safe and effective treatments.
Topics: Administration, Intravaginal; Anesthetics, Local; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Survivors; Dyspareunia; Dysuria; Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Laser Therapy; Lidocaine; Lipids; Lubricants; Menopause; Patient Selection; Pelvic Floor; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 31473229
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.08.043 -
BMJ Case Reports Oct 2023We present the case of a woman in her late 20s who consulted our gynaecology emergency department due to dyspareunia and vaginal penetration issues. She had undergone a...
We present the case of a woman in her late 20s who consulted our gynaecology emergency department due to dyspareunia and vaginal penetration issues. She had undergone a 'virginity reconstruction' procedure 10 days before her wedding in Africa. Clinical examination revealed suture of the inferior part of inner labia (labia minora), narrowing of the vaginal introitus and abnormal vaginal discharge. We performed an inferior defibulation procedure and removed the sutures under general anaesthesia. Postoperative care included systemic metronidazole, counselling, vaginal dilators and topical estrogens for 1 month. There were no complications during the postoperative follow-up, and a month later, the woman confirmed a satisfactory outcome. The aim of this paper is to discuss the practice of so-called 'virginity reconstruction', currently classified among female cosmetic genital surgeries despite being very similar to what is defined as female genital mutilation, and the care that can be provided to women in such cases.
Topics: Female; Humans; Africa; Circumcision, Female; Dyspareunia; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Vagina; Adult
PubMed: 37798043
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251008 -
Physical Therapy Aug 2020The aim of this systematic review was to identify, evaluate, and synthesize the evidence from studies that have investigated the effect of nonsurgical,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to identify, evaluate, and synthesize the evidence from studies that have investigated the effect of nonsurgical, nonpharmacological, pelvic floor muscle interventions on any type of pelvic floor dysfunction or health-related quality of life in patients after any type of treatment for gynecological cancer.
METHODS
Six electronic databases (Cochrane Library 2018, CINAHL 1982-2018, MEDLINE 1950-2018, EMBASE 1980-2018, PsycINFO 1806-2018, and EMCARE 1995-2018) were systematically searched in June 2018. Reference lists of identified articles were hand searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case series were included if they investigated the effects of conservative treatments, including pelvic floor muscle training or dilator training, on bladder, bowel, or sexual function in patients who had received treatment for gynecological cancer. Risk of bias was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies.
RESULTS
Five RCTs and 2 retrospective cohort studies were included (n = 886). The results provided moderate-level evidence that pelvic floor muscle training with counseling and yoga or core exercises were beneficial for sexual function (standardized mean difference = -0.96, 95% CI = -1.22 to -0.70, I2 = 0%) and health-related quality of life (standardized mean difference = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.38 to 0.88, I2 = 0%) in survivors of cervical cancer and very low-level evidence that dilator therapy reduced vaginal complications in survivors of cervical and uterine cancer (odds ratio = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.80, I2 = 54%). There were insufficient data for meta-analysis of bladder or bowel function.
CONCLUSION
Conservative pelvic floor muscle interventions may be beneficial for improving sexual function and health-related quality of life in survivors of gynecological cancer. Given the levels of evidence reported in this review, further high-quality studies are needed, especially to investigate effects on bladder and bowel function.
IMPACT
This review provides moderate-level evidence for the role of pelvic floor rehabilitation to improve health outcomes in the gynecological cancer survivorship journey. Clinicians and health service providers should consider how to provide cancer survivors the opportunity to participate in supervised pelvic floor rehabilitation programs.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Conservative Treatment; Counseling; Dilatation; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Strength; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Sexual Behavior; Urinary Bladder; Yoga
PubMed: 32367126
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa081 -
Practical Radiation Oncology Nov 2019Guidelines for the care of women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (RT) recommend vaginal dilator therapy (VDT) to prevent radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS);... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Guidelines for the care of women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (RT) recommend vaginal dilator therapy (VDT) to prevent radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS); however, no standard protocol exists. This review seeks to update our current state of knowledge concerning VS and VDT in radiation oncology.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A comprehensive literature review (1972-2017) was conducted using search terms "vaginal stenosis," "radiation," and "vaginal dilator." Information was organized by key concepts including VS definition, time course, pathophysiology, risk factors, and interventions.
RESULTS
VS is a well-described consequence of pelvic RT, with early manifestations and late changes evolving over several years. Strong risk factors for VS include RT dose and volume of vagina irradiated. Resultant vaginal changes can interfere with sexual function and correlational studies support the use of preventive VDT. The complexity of factors that drive noncompliance with VDT is well recognized. There are no prospective data to guide optimal duration of VDT, and the consistency with which radiation oncologists monitor VS and manage its consequences is unknown.
CONCLUSIONS
This review provides information concerning VS definition, pathophysiology, and risk factors and identifies domains of VDT practice that are understudied. Prospective efforts to monitor and measure outcomes of patients who are prescribed VDT are needed to guide practice.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Female; Humans; Radiation Oncology; Vagina
PubMed: 31302301
DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2019.07.001 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Oct 2023Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgery that is medically necessary for some transfeminine individuals. Little research exists describing vaginal health after the...
BACKGROUND
Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgery that is medically necessary for some transfeminine individuals. Little research exists describing vaginal health after the initial recovery from surgery, and evidence-based guidelines for vaginal care practices are unavailable.
AIM
The study sought to describe self-reported gynecological concerns and vaginal care practices among transfeminine persons who have undergone vaginoplasty.
METHODS
A total of 60 transfeminine participants 18+ years of age, living in Canada, and who had undergone vaginoplasty at least 1 year prior were recruited through social media, community groups, healthcare provider referrals, and study recontact. Participants completed a cross-sectional, online questionnaire detailing demographics, gynecological concerns, and genital practices and exposures. Hierarchical clustering was used to group participants based on behavioral practices and exposures. Associations between clusters and gynecological concerns were assessed.
OUTCOMES
Outcomes included self-reported gynecological concerns within the past year, recent vulvar or vaginal symptoms (past 30 days), and behavioral practices/exposures, including douching with varied products and dilating.
RESULTS
Participants reported a variety of concerns in the past year, including urinary tract infection (13%) and internal hair regrowth (23%). More than half (57%) had experienced at least 1 recent vaginal symptom, most commonly malodor (27%) and vaginal bleeding (21%). Of participants, 48% were dilating weekly and 52% reported douching in the past 30 days. Four distinct clusters of vaginal practices/exposures were identified: limited exposures; dilating, no douching; dilating and douching; and diverse exposures. No significant associations between cluster membership and gynecological concerns were identified, though cluster membership was significantly associated with surgical center (P = .03). Open-text write-ins provided descriptions of symptoms and symptom management strategies.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The results provide insight for clinicians on common patient-reported gynecological concerns and current vaginal care practices and exposures, including symptom management strategies.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This was the first study to investigate vaginal health and genital practices/exposures among a community sample of transfeminine individuals. As participants self-enrolled for a detailed survey and swab collection, individuals experiencing concerns were likely overrepresented.
CONCLUSION
Transfeminine individuals reported a range of gynecological concerns outside of the surgical healing period. Genital practices/exposures varied across clusters, but no clear associations between clusters and symptoms were identified; instead, practice/exposure clusters were dependent on where the individual underwent vaginoplasty. There is a need for evidence to inform diagnostics, treatments, and vaginal care guidelines to support vaginal health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Transgender Persons; Cross-Sectional Studies; Transsexualism; Vagina; Sex Reassignment Surgery
PubMed: 37700562
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad109 -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Jan 2024Female urethral stricture (FUS) is a rare entity that causes great morbidity and suffering in those affected. As the available scientific data is sparce, there are no... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Female urethral stricture (FUS) is a rare entity that causes great morbidity and suffering in those affected. As the available scientific data is sparce, there are no formal guidelines or standard of care for this disease.
METHODS
This is a narrative review of the surgical management for female urethral stricture. The literature review was performed on PubMed. Articles were limited to English, but there was no limitation in terms of date.
RESULTS
Management of FUS is divided between endoscopic and open surgical repair. Urethral dilation with or without urethrectomy can be offered as a first-line treatment. However, the rate of success of this procedure remains inferior to open surgical repair, and its efficacy decreases with the number of previous dilations. For distal urethral strictures, distal urethrectomy and advancement meatoplasty may be considered. Vaginal flaps are readily available, easy to harvest, well-vascularized, and allow for a dorsal or ventral orientation urethroplasty. The results of this procedure are promising, but most studies are small and retrospective. Labia flaps are easily accessible, wet, hairless, and elastic. The main limitations with the use of vaginal or labial tissues are co-existing conditions such as lichen sclerosis or vaginal atrophy, which may affect future results. Vaginal and labial graft urethroplasty can be used when it is not possible to mobilize an adequate flap. Stricture-free rates of this technique are variable. In cases of more severe stricture, an augmentation urethroplasty using buccal mucosa graft may be necessary. The techniques used in FUS replicate those for male urethral strictures, where both ventral and dorsal approaches can be utilized.
CONCLUSIONS
Although there is growing interest in the field, the optimal management of FUS remains to be determined.
PubMed: 38197721
DOI: 10.1002/nau.25358 -
Clinics in Plastic Surgery Jul 2018The major steps in vaginoplasty are orchiectomy, penile amputation, creation of the neovaginal cavity with lining, and reconstruction of urethral meatus, labia, and... (Review)
Review
The major steps in vaginoplasty are orchiectomy, penile amputation, creation of the neovaginal cavity with lining, and reconstruction of urethral meatus, labia, and clitoris. During pedicled intestinal transfer, an intestinal segment is transferred in a dissected cavity between the bladder and rectum. The bowel harvest is performed by a total laparoscopic technique. It is imperative to create the labia majora and minora, the clitoris, and a clitoral hood to achieve the physiologic and aesthetic equivalent of female external genitalia. Intestinal vaginoplasty seems to be associated with a low rate of adverse events. Life-long vaginal hygiene and dilatation is recommended.
Topics: Clitoris; Female; Humans; Male; Penis; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Transsexualism; Urethra; Vagina; Vulva
PubMed: 29908623
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2018.03.006