| Cryptomenorrhea | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Gynecology |
Cryptomenorrhea or cryptomenorrhoea, is a medical condition in which menstrual bleeding occurs but remains hidden due to a congenital septum or atresia blocking the vagina, resulting in symptoms of menstruation without external bleeding.[1] It is commonly seen in cases of imperforate hymen.[2][3] Specifically the endometrium is shed, but a congenital obstruction such as a vaginal septum or on part of the hymen retains the menstrual flow. A patient with cryptomenorrhea will appear to have amenorrhea but will experience cyclic menstrual pain. The condition is surgically correctable.
The patient usually presents at the age of puberty when the commencement of menstruation blood gets collected in the vagina and gives rise to symptoms.
- ^ Kandpal, A. K.; Jain, B. (2004). Guide To Obstetrics & Gynecology. B. Jain Publishers. p. 223. ISBN 978-81-8056-523-6.
- ^ Dorland, W. A. Newman, ed. (2012). Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary (32nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier. p. 439. ISBN 978-1-4160-6257-8. OCLC 706780870.
- ^ "cryptomenorrhea" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary