The rare condition is the result of a congenital malformation that occurs with the fetus during pregnancy; explains the expert
Are you familiar with Rokitansky syndrome? It is a congenital disease of unknown origin, which affects the female reproductive system even during the formation of the embryonic fetus. It is characterized by absence or malformation of the genital organs, especially the uterus and vaginal canal.
According to gynecologist Claudia Takano, those with the syndrome have normal external genitalia. The part we can see, called the vulva — which includes the clitoris, urethra, labia minora and majora, hymen, and anus — is developed, as are the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Impaired formation occurs only in the uterus and vaginal canal.
“Most of the time, the uterus is absent or tiny, and the vaginal canal (pathway between the uterus and vulva) is shorter and narrower than usual or may be absent,” she clarifies. Also, the syndrome is classified into two types:
- Type I, with isolated involvement of the reproductive organs, affecting one in 5,000 women;
- Type II, with associations of systemic changes in other organs, with an incidence of one in 10,000-15,000 women, cases being even rarer.
How to diagnose the syndrome?
Since it is a disease that does not cause external changes in the patient, it is normal for the diagnosis to be delayed, usually between 13 and 18 years oldthrough gynecological physical exams and/or imaging tests, such as pelvic ultrasound.
Medical student Isabella Barros, 21, recalls the shock she experienced after discovering she was born without a vaginal canal. “When I was diagnosed at 13, I felt pain like I’ve never felt before, as if that news ripped a part of me out of me,” she confides.
“My subconscious believed my life path was going to be like the pattern: losing my virginity, meeting someone special, getting married and having kids. No one could tell me how to deal with it, and worst of all, no one could tell me what it was,” she recalls. .
According to Takano, the the absence of menstruation and the registration of pain or difficulty in sexual intercourse are among the main symptoms. “The most frequent identification is when a doctor is sought because a young woman is not menstruating or because she is having pain and difficulty having sex. Some may discover this sooner or later for other reasons, such as accidents, urinary leakage or lower abdominal pain “, explains.
Rokitansky syndrome is treatable
Although the condition is rare, Rokitansky syndrome has a treatment that can vary depending on the characteristics of each patient. A technique of expansionFor example, It is currently the most recommended by doctors.. It allows you to expand the rudimentary vaginal canal, until it reaches a size that allows penetration.
Another form of treatment is surgery, recommended when the dilators do not achieve the expected result or the woman has a malformation that makes it difficult to dilate the vaginal canal. However, like any procedure, it has risks and therefore should only be considered as a last resort.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
