labial adhesions

[gardenmommy]

At our latest well-child visit (two days ago), the Dr. mentioned that DD (19 months) has fused labia minora.  She said that I need to gently apply a cream (like vaseline or something safe for the diaper area) and traction them apart.  That seemed odd to me, so I asked specifically if I should just leave it be, similarly to not retracting an intact penis.  She said, no, it's important to open the labia, and if I can't get them open and keep them open, she would have to refer to a urologist for further intervention.  She said there will likely be some minor bleeding and pain, which just seemed a bit off to me.  So, I didn't follow my intuition and do more research on the matter.  Instead, today, I followed her advice, and tried to gently separate them.  DD was obviously uncomfortable, and didn't like it *at all*.  A few hours later, she began crying inconsolably, communicating that her bottom was hurting.  I looked at her, and her labia are quite red and painful-looking.  I applied calendula cream, which seemed to ease the discomfort.  I am very unhappy with myself; I regret ever messing with her girl parts, and wish I'd just followed my intuition on the whole thing.

I've been doing some research on the topic, and am coming up with some conflicting advice.  Some say to leave it alone, that labial adhesions will generally self-correct, others say to use an estrogen cream, others say to gently traction it open.  If you have experience with this, how did you resolve it?

[lovepickles]

I'm so sorry. My niece had this issue and I remember seeing my sister apply the cream (I think it was some sort of steroid)  to prevent the same issue. I hated it and thought it was awful. But that was over 13 years ago. I need to make it clear that I disagree with majority of her parenting choices.

Causing pain in that area is not acceptable as a treatment option. Please get a second or third opinion.

Also, forgive yourself and talk to your daughter about it in very simple words. Stop feeling guilty for doing what you thought was right. But pay attention to your reaction to her pain because it is telling you something.

[gardenmommy]

Thanks for replying!  DD is doing much better now.  I am going to let it alone right now until I can find a new Dr. (for more reasons than this).  I am definitely going to get another opinion.  She seems to have no problem urinating, so I think it's fine to leave it for now.  I just think that there needs to be a *really* good reason for causing pain to a child for any reason, but especially so to that area.