Labial Fusion in Girls: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Parents

Labial fusion, or labial adhesion, is a condition where the small inner lips around the entrance to the vagina (the labia minora) become stuck together. It is fairly common in girls under 7 years old and is usually nothing to worry about. In this blog post, we will answer some common questions that parents may have about labial fusion and explain when and how it can be treated.

What causes labial fusion?

The exact cause of labial fusion is not known, but it may happen as a result of irritation or inflammation of the vaginal area, known as vaginitis. This can be caused by a simple infection, such as thrush or a urinary tract infection, or by mild trauma to the area, such as from wiping too hard or wearing tight clothing. Without enough oestrogen in the body, which is normal before puberty, the labia minora can become sticky and gradually join together.

How can I tell if my daughter has labial fusion?

Labial fusion is usually discovered accidentally by a parent or carer during nappy changing or bathing. If your daughter has labial fusion, instead of two separate labia minora, you will see them joined together. 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 to pass through. If you think your daughter has labial fusion, take her to see your doctor for confirmation.

Does labial fusion cause any problems or complications?

For most girls, labial fusion does not cause any problems or discomfort and does not affect their health or development. However, in some cases, labial fusion can cause symptoms such as:

- Drippling of trapped urine after peeing

- Difficulty peeing, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections

- Trapped urine in the vagina, which can cause a foul-smelling discharge

- Pain or discomfort in the genital area

If your daughter has any of these symptoms, you should take her to see your doctor as soon as possible.

How is labial fusion treated?

In most cases, labial fusion does not need any treatment and will separate naturally by the time your daughter reaches puberty. This happens slowly and painlessly and she will not notice it happening. Treatment is only recommended if labial fusion is causing significant problems or symptoms. The main treatment options are:

- Oestrogen cream or ointment: This is applied daily on the join for up to 2 weeks until the membrane dissolves and the labia separate completely. You should stop applying the cream when the join separates. Oestrogen cream or ointment can sometimes cause side effects, such as tenderness in the chest or darkening of the skin in the genital area. These should go away after stopping the cream.

- Surgery: This is very rarely needed and only considered if oestrogen cream or ointment does not work or if there is trapped urine in the vagina.

Can labial fusion be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent labial fusion, but you can reduce the risk of irritation or inflammation of the vaginal area by following these tips:

- Keep the genital area clean and dry by washing it gently with warm water once a day and patting it dry with a soft towel

- Avoid using soap, bubble bath, shampoo or wipes on the genital area as they can irritate the skin

- Use cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing that allow air to circulate around the genital area

- Change nappies frequently and avoid using talcum powder

- Teach your daughter to wipe from front to back after peeing or pooing

Will labial fusion affect my daughter's future sexual health or fertility?

No, labial fusion will not have any impact on your daughter's future sexual health or fertility. Labial fusion does not affect the development of the uterus (womb), ovaries or fallopian tubes, which are responsible for reproduction.