Postpartum labial adhesions.
BACKGROUND
Labial adhesions are common in young girls and menopausal women. Topical estrogen is the first line of therapy for these adhesions. Based on a systematic literature review, postpartum labial adhesions are uncommon in clinical practice. They are not painful but can prevent patients from resuming normal sexual activity. Topical estrogen therapy is an ineffective treatment option for adhesions in this setting. Surgical division under local anesthesia is usually effective.


METHODS
A 29-year-old women presented at 6 weeks after an uncomplicated vacuum-assisted delivery for a routine postpartum evaluation. Examination revealed a 5-mm labial adhesion connecting her left and right labia minora. Division under local anesthetic resulted in a complete recovery within 3 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Postpartum labial adhesions can usually be surgically divided under local anesthetic with complete and rapid recovery.
Seehusen
Dean A
DA
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
Earwood
J Scott
JS
D000328:Adult; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014481:United States; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery