Labial Adhesions: The Gynecological Problem You Haven’t Heard About
Apr 02, 2026
First published October 2016 Updated April 2026
When the inner lips (labia minora) of the vulva are stuck together, it is called a labial adhesion. This is typically first noticed in young girls between the ages of 3 months and 6 years old and tend to go away during puberty. Labial adhesions can partially or nearly completely block the opening to the vagina, but there will always be a small opening near the urethra (where urine comes out). Most of the time, labial adhesions do not cause any symptoms at all! Rarely patients may notice changes in the urine stream, dribbling urine after urinating, vaginal discharge or irritation, or bladder infections. In these cases, the adhesions may need to be treated.
Adhesions are much more common than many might realize. In fact, it’s estimated that about two out of every 1,000 girls will develop them before they reach puberty. Parents should be relieved to know that adhesions do not cause long term issues and most of the time they do not require any treatment.
What Causes Labial Adhesions?
Physicians believe that labial adhesions develop from a combination of inflammation, trauma or infection that occurs in a low estrogen environment. Newborns have estrogen in their bodies from their mothers, and it can take several months for the hormone to decrease. Adhesions are most likely to first appear between the ages of 3 and 23 months, when the leftover estrogen has disappeared and when babies are becoming more physically active. Adhesions may be more common in girls with sensitive skin.
What Are the Symptoms of Labial Adhesions?
Most children will have no symptoms at all. Some children may complain of vulvar pain, itching or irritation or urine may continue to dribble out well after they have finished using the toilet because the urine gets trapped behind the adhesion. Children with labial adhesions can also experience recurrent urinary tract infections or vaginal discharge.
How Are Labial Adhesions Diagnosed?
Adhesions are diagnosed by visual examination that reveals that the inner lips of the labia (labia minora) are stuck together. Many times, adhesions are discovered by a parent during diaper changes or by a physician during a routine well child check-up.
How Are Adhesions Treated?
If the adhesion isn’t causing any medical problems, we will suggest waiting to see if the labia will unstick on their own during puberty – when the body begins producing estrogen. If adhesions are significant irritation or causing recurring vaginal or bladder infections, physicians may prescribe an estrogen or steroid cream to put on the labia. Because estrogen can have side effects that mirror puberty – only a tiny amount of the cream is used, and for a short time. Parents will be instructed to apply gentle pressure to the adhesion while applying the cream to help the labia become unstuck. There is some research that shows the gentle application of pressure with a non-medicated cream, like a diaper rash cream, can even help the adhesions to come apart. In very rare cases, the labia may need to be separated by a doctor. This is done using local or general anesthetic to prevent any discomfort during the procedure.
It is also recommended to have good genital hygiene and decrease irritation of the labial skin by taking precautions gynecologists would recommend to everyone – such as avoiding using scented soaps or laundry detergent for your child and changing dirty diapers promptly or wearing loose cotton underwear once potty trained.
Can Labial Adhesions Come Back?
Yes – it is very common for adhesions to come back until the child enters puberty and begins to make their own estrogen. This is part of why adhesions that are not causing medical problems are typically not treated.
The discomfort and irritation caused by labial adhesions can mimic many other gynecological issues, so if your baby or child is having symptoms, it’s best to see a pediatric gynecologist or urologist. You can request an appointment with Nationwide Children’s Pediatric Gynecology experts online or by calling (614) 722-2250.
Chelsea Kebodeaux, MD is a member of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology physician team as well as the Fertility and Reproductive Health Program physician team at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
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