Key points about labial fusion in children
- labia are part of the outer female genitals
- labial fusion is common in tamariki
- labial fusion resolves as your child grows
- in most cases, labial fusion needs no treatment
Where are the labia?
The labia are part of the vulva. The vulva includes all the outer genitals in females including the vagina and urethra (where wee drains from). The labia minora sit on each side of the vaginal opening.
This illustration shows the anatomy of the vulva with the different parts labelled.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The illustration shows a labelled anatomical illustration of the vulva. At the top, the illustration is titled Vulva Anatomy.
Parts that are labelled include the:
- Clitoris
- Labia minora (inner lips)
- Labia majora (outer lips)
- Urethra (urinary opening)
- Vagina
- Anus
At the bottom left is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz
What is labial fusion?
Labial fusion is when the two flaps (the labia minora) on either side of the vaginal opening are joined together. Labial fusion is common. In most cases, it resolves as your child grows, and no treatment is needed.
Labial fusion can be partial or full.
This illustration compares a normal vulva with partial and full labial fusion.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The medical illustration shows three side-by-side illustrations of the vulva.
- On the left, the illustration is labelled Normal vulva. It shows normal labia minora with the vaginal opening visible. A label points to the Labia minora.
- In the centre, the illustration is labelled Partial labial fusion. It shows the labia minora partially stuck together, covering part of the vaginal opening. A label reads: Labia minora partially fused.
- On the right, the illustration is labelled Full labial fusion. It shows the labia minora fully fused together, with the vaginal opening completely covered. A label reads: Labia minora fused.
At the bottom left is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz
Causes of labial fusion in children
Sometimes, labial fusion can happen after inflammation of the labial area, such as after vulvovaginitis. It may also be related to the low levels of the hormone estrogen in tamariki before puberty. However, the exact cause of labial fusion is not known.
Signs of labial fusion in children
Labial fusion usually develops when a child is around 1 to 2 years of age. It is not usually present from birth. If your child has labial fusion, you will see the labia joined together instead of two separate labia. Most tamariki with labial fusion will have no other symptoms.
There will usually be a small opening along the join that will allow wee through. Sometimes, this can be very small and difficult to see.
What to do if you think your child has labial fusion
If you suspect your child has labial fusion, take them to the doctor. The doctor will examine your child and can confirm if they have labial fusion.
Managing labial fusion in children
Treatment is not needed for most cases of labial fusion in children. By the time your child reaches puberty, the join has usually separated naturally. This happens slowly and is not painful. Leaving labial fusion alone is the safest way to manage it.
Treatment may be required if the labial fusion is causing problems. Sometimes it may be difficult for wee to drain fully, which may lead to urine infections. In this case, your child’s doctor may consider some oestrogen cream. Surgery to separate the labia is not normally recommended as often the labia will fuse together again.
Possible complications of labial fusion
Some tamariki may get urine infections if wee is not draining properly. In those cases, a doctor may consider treatment for the fusion. Labial fusion is not linked to any other medical conditions. It will not impact on your child’s ability to have children in the future.
Acknowledgements
Illustrations by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth
