Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis
Congenital vaginal aplasia is a condition with devastating implications for fertility and sexuality. However, little is known on whether urinary symptomatology is more common prior and following vaginal lengthening procedures in these women.
Methods
We performed a prospective observational study of 19 women with vaginal agenesis before and after vaginal dilation treatment or a laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure. All women completed the ICIQ FLUTS questionnaire before and after treatment in order to assess incidence and changes in urinary symptomatology.
Results
Urinary symptoms were present in 53% of women prior to treatment. The majority of bladder symptoms were not significantly altered by treatment, except for incomplete bladder emptying. Women following the Vecchietti procedure had increased urinary hesitancy and a poorer steam compared with those completing dilation treatment. The longer the vaginal length, the greater the urinary frequency.
Conclusion
Women with vaginal agenesis had significant levels of urinary symptoms and to our knowledge this has not been reported before. The majority of symptoms were not altered by treatment.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ismail IS, Cutner AS, Creighton SM (2006) Laparoscopic vaginoplasty: alternative techniques in vaginal reconstruction. BJOG 113:340–343
Bianchi M, Sola V, Ricci P, Pomes C (2007) Late postoperative urinary stress incontinence after a laparoscopic-assisted Vecchietti procedure for neovagina creation in a patient with Rokitansky syndrome: successful treatment with the TVT-O technique. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 14:116–118
Ismail-Pratt IS, Bikoo M, Liao LM, Conway GS, Creighton SM (2007) Normalization of the vagina by dilator treatment alone in Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome. Hum Reprod 22:2020–2024
Fedele L, Bianchi S, Tozzi L, Borruto F, Vignali M (1996) A new laparoscopic procedure for creation of a neovagina in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. Fertil Steril 66:854–857
Jackson S, Donovan J, Brookes S, Eckford S, Swithinbank L, Abrams P (1996) The Bristol female lower urinary tract symptoms questionnaire: development and psychometric testing. Br J Urol 77:805–812
Liao LM, Conway GS, Ismail-Pratt I, Bikoo M, Creighton SM (2011) Emotional and sexual wellness and quality of life in women with Rokitansky syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 205:117.e1–117.e6
Watson AJ, Currie I, Curran S, Jarvis GJ (2000) A prospective study examining the association between the symptoms of anxiety and depression and severity of urinary incontinence. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 88:7–9
Kimberley N, Hutson JM, Southwell BR, Grover SR (2011) Well-being and sexual function outcomes in women with vaginal agenesis. Fertil Steril 95:238–241
Acknowledgements
None
Details of ethics approval
Ethics approval was received by the joint UCL/UCLH committee on human research (REC Ref: 07/H0714/121).
Funding
None.
Conflicts of interest
Alfred Cutner is a consultant at Surgical Innovation and American Medical Systems and is the Vice Chair of the British Society of Urogynaecology
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Michala, L., Strawbridge, L., Bikoo, M. et al. Lower urinary tract symptoms in women with vaginal agenesis. Int Urogynecol J 24, 425–429 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1870-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1870-4