Something like a cord in my vagina

I would imagine that since it requires local anesthesia it is not something very invasive-- just a matter of the doctor will use to cut the excess skin. You can contact your doctor's office and they may give you more information on how exactly it is removed.

Ok, thank you so much! When you get it removed do you know how they would remove it?

Motayo,

I don't believe it is harmful to keep it. However, it can be cumbersome and even painful depending on how much skin is obstructing during sex or upon insertion of a tampon. Removing it is a simple office procedure and definitely recommended.

Best Wishes!

I have this same problem. When I went to the gyneocologist they just looked at me like I was crazy when I tried to explain it, but when she looked at it, she put the spectrum in to hold me open but it was behind the spectrum so she did not believe me. I'm so thankful to see something about this condition. I have researched so much and this is the only thing I have came across that has explained my condition. I only have one question, what happens if you do not get it removed, is it harmful for you to keep it?

Here you go, Anon! I hope this response from Dr. Sarrel help you tremendously as he was very familiar with your condition.

"An article published by Yale investigators may very well explain the
situation you have. It has to do with how the vagina is formed when you were an embryo and a fetus. At one point in development the entire vagina is a solid structure. Then cells grow in from the surface and hollow out the space that becomes the developed vagina. It turns out it is not unusual for the process to be incomplete. The Yale researchers found 8% of babies has a remnant strand or piece of tissue. The condition is entirely benign (i.e. nothing to worry about) but it should be corrected. Most often it doesn't show up until you start to have sex involving vaginal penetration. During sex response the vagina expands and that may be the only time when the remnant becomes a "blockage"-the rest of the time it may lie flat against the vaginal wall and not interfere with menstruation. It may not be apparent at the time of a pelvic examination unless the physician or nurse has been alerted to its' possibility. You should be examined and the remnant should be removed-that's a simple office procedure using a local anesthetic. Sometimes, if you know what you're dealing with, it may be possible for you and your partner to figure how to negotiate the remnant. But, it's probably best to have the situation corrected.

In reference to the tampon getting stuck: That's often the way the problem is first presented for medical help. The tampon gets past the strand going in but gets stuck behind it. The strands most often go from the upper wall of the vagina (or the hymen) to the lower (anterior to posterior). They are about 1/8 inch wide and about the same thickness."

-Dr. Sarrel

Dear Anon,

Welcome to EmpowHer and thank you for your question. We have submitted it to Dr. Sarrel, our gynecology expert, to help you with this.

As soon as we get a response from him, we will get back to you!

Rosa