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How to Re-Open a Labial Adhesion for a 2 yr. old?

My daughter is 2 yrs. old and about a month ago her vagina closed most of the way shut.
She is able to go to the bathroom. That is go pee and poo. But, the other part of her vagina has fused shut.

Our pediatrician recommended trying a estrogen cream for no longer than a couple of months to see if it would open up. But, we have been reluctant to use at first so now we are looking to any others for advice.

Please respond with any positive or negative feedback you might know about using estrogen cream.

Sincerely,

Concerned in NJ

Answer:

Hi Concerned,

It's good that you're seeking other opinions and advocating for your little girl!

This is what I know about estrogen treatments in little girls: generally they work quickly. There may be some side effects (darkening of the nipples is one) that resolve quickly once the treatment is stopped.

I know some mothers note that with extended treatment their daughters start to show other signs of hormonal influence, such a pubic hair.

But, since the creams usually work quickly, it's unlikely that those signs would appear. They occur in girls who have the adhesion reoccur and are on repeated treatment.

Some doctors feel the treatment is not at all needed and that it will resolve on its own when the girl reaches puberty and begins to produce her own estrogen - if not before. It will often disappear when a girl is potty trained and moves from diapers and pull-ups to underwear.

Other doctors feel the cream is beneficial for a short period of time.

After the cream works, they often advise using a lubricant such as A&D ointment or KY Jelly. I've also heard of coconut oil being used. Coconut oil is very gentle on the skin so it may be a good choice if you want something natural. I personally have always used Weleda Calendula Diaper Cream with my children for rashes and things. Weleda has integrity as a company and I trust their products to be pure and natural on my children's skin.

You may want to consider working on potty training your little girl as that might help her.

In the end do the research and you do what you feel is best. Examining all your options and the different opinions of doctors and experiences of others can often help.

You may also want to take a look at this listing of studies done on labial adhesions.

Best of luck with your choice for your little girl!!