Labial adhesion in a postmenopausal female: A case report

Voiding difficulty is more common in males, although it is not uncommon in females. Female voiding difficulty can be caused by iatrogenic, anatomic, and neurogenic factors, and specifically urethra stricture, impaired detrusor contractility, primary bladder neck obstruction, and detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia. Labial adhesion is a rare cause of female voiding difficulty.The incidence of labial fusion has been reported to be 0.6% to 1.4% in children; however, the incidence in the elderly has yet to be fully elucidated.

We present the case of a postmenopausal and sexually inactive 76-year-old female patient who had nearly total vaginal and urethral occlusion due to labial adhesion. She had no underlying diseases and came to our clinic with a 10-month history of voiding difficulty, postmicturition dribbling, and involuntary urinary leakage when getting up.

A genital examination revealed nearly total fusion of the labia minor with only a 3-mm pinhole opening at the posterior end.

Treatment included surgical separation, the local application of estrogen cream, and self-dilatation. She also received an antimuscarinic agent to treat overactive bladder secondary to bladder outlet obstruction which was caused by labial adhesion.

No surgical complications occurred. Moreover, no labial adhesion or voiding dysfunction was found immediately after the surgery or after 6 months of follow-up.

Genital examinations are a basic but very important noninvasive skill for physicians. This case report highlights that genital examinations should be a priority for patients with gynecological or urological symptoms.