Female phimosis is a rare situation characterized by adherence of the labia minora, causing them to stick together and cover the vaginal opening. In some cases, it can also cover the clitoris, reducing sensitivity and potentially resulting in anorgasmia and sexual changes.
Phimosis is more common in girls up to three years of age, but can persist until around 10 years of age, and the doctor recommends the use of ointments to remove the labia minora. 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 urinary infections, discharge, pain when urinating and bad smelling urine.
What causes female phimosis
The cause of female phimosis is not yet well established, however, it may arise due to the low concentration of female hormones, which is characteristic of childhood, and irritation of the vaginal mucosa due to contact with urine or feces in the diaper.
Furthermore, phimosis in women may be associated with skin diseases, such as lichen planus and lichen sclerosus, mainly, which is characterized by genital changes and leads to the appearance of white lesions in the genital region. See how to identify lichen sclerosus and what treatment should be like.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment of female phimosis usually begins after 12 months of age with the application of an estrogen-based ointment to the affected region, approximately 3 times a day, for a period of 3 to 4 weeks.
Ointments for female phimosis are normally sufficient to treat the problem, however phimosis may reappear and it may be necessary to reapply the ointment or resort to surgery, for example. See which ointments are used for phimosis.
When to have surgery?
Surgery for female phimosis is most commonly used in cases where the vagina is completely closed, not allowing the girl to urinate properly, or when it is not possible to correct the problem just by applying the ointment.
Generally, the surgery is performed under local anesthesia in the pediatrician’s office and, therefore, no hospitalization is necessary. The main care is to apply antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ointments prescribed by the doctor to avoid infections. Find out how surgery for phimosis is performed.
How to speed up recovery
During treatment for female phimosis, it is important to take some precautions such as:
- Carry out the intimate hygiene of the child in the direction from the vagina to the anus;
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight or tight clothing;
- Use neutral soaps or recommended by the pediatrician to carry out the child’s intimate hygiene, avoiding products with aromas or smells;
- Prevent the child from touching the intimate area;
- To place diaper rash ointment only in the anal regionif necessary.
These precautions speed up treatment and prevent the reappearance of phimosis, if it has already been treated with ointment or surgery.
Bibliography
- CHMEL, Roman et al. Clitoral Phimosis: Effects on Female Sexual Function and Surgical Treatment Outcomes. J Sex With. 257-266, 2019
- KROFT, Jamie; SHIER, Michael. A Novel Approach to the Surgical Management of Clitoral Phimosis. J Obstet Gynaecol. Vol 34. 5 ed; 465-471, 2012
