Labial adhesions typically occur in infants and young girls when estrogen levels are low and genital tissues are sensitive. Irritation from fecal soiling (commonly referred to as vulvovaginitis) is the most common cause of this condition.

What causes labial fusion in babies?

Labial adhesions typically occur in infants and young girls when estrogen levels are low and genital tissues are sensitive. Irritation from fecal soiling (commonly referred to as vulvovaginitis) is the most common cause of this condition.

Does labial fusion go away?

A labial fusion or adhesion usually separates naturally without treatment. Treatment for labial fusion is not recommended unless there are other symptoms, such as dribbling after peeing, which may cause problems or discomfort.

How common is labial adhesion in babies?

As a pediatric gynecologist, I can tell you that adhesions are much more common than many might realize. In fact, it’s estimated that about 2 out of every 1,000 girls will develop them before they reach puberty[i].

How common is labial fusion?

‘Labial adhesions’ means that the labia minora have stuck together. This common condition affects up to two per cent of girls aged three months to six years. It is most common in those aged one to two years. It is thought to be caused by irritation to the delicate membranes of the external genitals.

What does labial fusion look like?

If your child has labial fusion, instead of two separate labia, you will be able to see the labia joined together. There are not usually any other symptoms. There will usually be a small opening in the join – even if it is very small (one millimetre or more) there will be enough space for urine (wee) to drain.

How do you care for labial adhesion?

Key Points to Remember In most cases, labial adhesions disappear within a year without any treatment. Treatment for labial adhesions can include: 1) application of a mild emollient with manual pressure, 2) application of an estrogen-based or steroid cream or 3) manual separation by a pediatric urologist.

Is labial adhesion painful?

It will be painful and traumatic to the child and cause the adhesions to recur (possibly worse than the original adhesions). Treatment strategies include: For mildcases – where the vaginal opening is not covered and there are no symptoms, the condition may be left alone to resolve or separate on its own over time.

When should I worry about labial adhesion?

It is also sometimes called labial adhesion or agglutination. Labial fusion is a common condition, and there is no need for concern in most cases. The fusion (join) will usually separate by itself by the time your child reaches puberty.

What does labial adhesion look like?

Labial adhesions occur when the inner lips (labia minora) of the vulva (outside of the vagina) stick together. This occurs most often in girls between 3 months and 6 years of age. Parents may notice their child’s vaginal opening looks partially or completely blocked or see a white line when looking at the vulvar area.

Can Vaseline help labial adhesions?

One option is to simply apply Vaseline® with pressure to the adhesions. Over time, the pressure and the Vaseline® may be enough to separate the adhesion. Estrogen cream (premarin cream) can also be applied. During several weeks of using the cream, the adhesions should soften and begin to separate.

How do you open labial adhesion naturally?

If treatment is needed or preferred, the natural process can be accelerated with the application of topical estrogen. A hormone cream such as Premarin should readily open the labia, usually within a week. Sometimes the cream needs to be applied for up to a month or two.

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