Question

Dear CANFP,

I just have a question about this estrogen our baby's doctor prescribed her. If you have any input or anything, a website, anything I would be most appreciative!

We had her 4 month checkup and the doctor noticed that inside her vagina she is not completely opened up... obviously she is open enough that she isn't having a probelm urinating, but he prescribed her this Premarin, a type of estrogen. He said that once she starts crawling and walking it should open up more but wanted to prescribe this anyways... do you have any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Answer

This is not an uncommon finding. It is an adherance of the labia minora of the vagina. It can result in some pooling of urine in the area which can predispose to urinary tract infection. It is often caused by low grade inflammation in the area -- often as a result of bacteria from the rectal area not being fully cleared from the vaginal area during diaper changing.

Parents should make sure to wipe from front to back while changing diapers to help this to resolve. It is uncommon that this is a serious problem -- generally as the child ages and becomes more active, this adherance will gradually release. But, it is not unreasonable to treat it with premarin cream. This is safe and effective, and may prevent the pooling of urine in the area (mentioned above). The premarin should be used for a few weeks, then followed by vasaline for a few weeks. Treat until the labia release. Hope that's helpful.

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