Q52: Other congenital malformations of female genitalia

Q52.3: Imperforate hymen

While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue.

The vagina is tubular and leads from the outside to the uterus. There is a thin membrane inside the vagina. The membrane can form a fold that partly seals the vagina. The membrane is usually porous at some location.

If the vagina is fully sealed, mucous can collect in the vagina even when the child is a baby. If the vagina is sealed, menstrual blood may also be unable to flow away. The accumulated blood can cause pain in the lower abdomen.