Cryptomenorrhea Treatment in Indore

What is cryptomenorrhea?

Cryptomenorrhea, also known as hidden menstruation, is a condition where the menstrual bleeding occurs normally inside the body, but the blood cannot exit because there is some kind of physical blockage in the female reproductive tract.

The menstrual blood collects inside the vagina, cervix, or uterus because of this obstruction, leading to painful swelling.

It often arises in early teenage girls shortly after the first expected menstrual period, menarche, but may be diagnosed later because of structural anomalies.

Causes of Cryptomenorrhea

Cryptomenorrhea is caused mainly by anatomical obstructions:

1. Imperforate Hymen - most common cause

The hymen has no opening, blocking menstrual flow.

2. Transverse Vaginal Septum

The passage is blocked by a wall of tissue inside the vagina.

3. Cervical Atresia or Stenosis

The cervix is either absent or abnormally narrow.

4. Vaginal Agenesis (rare)

The vagina is partially or completely absent.

5. Blockage following surgery or trauma

Scar tissue is blocking menstrual flow.

Symptoms of Cryptomenorrhea

Even though there is no apparent external bleeding, menstrual cycles continue internally. Symptoms include:

Monthly abdominal or pelvic pain

Cyclic cramping similar to periods, but no bleeding.

Lower abdominal swelling

Back pain

Urinary difficulty

Retention of menstrual blood (hematocolpos or hematometra)

Nausea or vomiting, in severe cases

Symptoms typically worsen with each month as blood accumulates.

Complications if Untreated

If the condition is left untreated, it may cause:

Severe pelvic pain

Infection

Endometriosis

Infertility (rare but possible)

Urinary retention

chronic pelvic inflammation

Diagnosis

A doctor would say:

Pelvic examination

Ultrasound

MRI in complicated cases

Treatment

⚠️ Cryptomenorrhea is not treatable at home. Surgical correction is usually necessary.

Treatment depends on the cause:

Imperforate hymen: Hymenectomy (a small opening is created)

Vaginal septum: Surgical removal of the septum

Cervical problems: Reconstructive procedures

After treatment, normal menstruation flows and the symptoms resolve.

Prevention

As cryptomenorrhea is due to congenital structural anomalies, it is not completely preventable.

But early diagnosis and treatment may prevent complications.

Early Detection and Avoidance of Severe Complications: Some Tips

Parents should watch for pelvic pain in teenage girls who have not developed any periods by age 15-16.

If the girl presents with cyclic monthly pain without bleeding, consult a gynaecologist.

Get abnormal reproductive or urinary symptoms evaluated medically promptly. Avoid self-treatment; this condition should be treated by a specialist only. Summary: Cryptomenorrhea is a condition where menstrual blood forms but cannot exit due to a physical blockage. It requires surgical treatment, and early diagnosis prevents pain and future reproductive problems.