Vaginal agenesis happens when your vagina doesn't develop fully before birth. Other internal reproductive organs may not form as well. Treatments like vaginal dilators and surgery can create a vaginal opening and vaginal canal.
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Vaginal agenesis means the vagina doesn’t form typically during fetal development. It may not exist, it may be closed or parts of it may be missing. The external female genitalia (like your vulva) usually appear typical.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Vaginal agenesis (Müllerian agenesis) is something you’re born with. But you may not get a diagnosis until later in life. You may have other reproductive system differences as well. Some people may not have a fully developed uterus or fallopian tubes.
Receiving this diagnosis can be difficult. The condition isn’t life-threatening. But you may struggle with what this diagnosis means for the future, especially for your ability to start a family. Know that you have options that your healthcare provider will discuss with you in detail.
Signs and symptoms of vaginal agenesis may include:
If vaginal agenesis is part of a syndrome, you may have other symptoms, like kidney or spine issues.
Vaginal agenesis happens during fetal development. For some reason, the internal female reproductive system doesn’t develop as expected. This may include differences in your cervix, uterus and/or fallopian tubes. But researchers don’t know the exact cause.
There’s nothing you can do to prevent vaginal agenesis.
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Vaginal agenesis isn’t dangerous to your physical health. But it can greatly affect your quality of life. The diagnosis may lead to anxiety and/or depression. Without treatment, it can make vaginal sex impossible or painful. It may also mean that you can’t carry a pregnancy, depending on your anatomy.
Treatment can help make penetrative sex comfortable. And there are options for having biological children and family building.
Like many females with vaginal agenesis, you may get a diagnosis in your teen years when you haven’t gotten your first period.
Your healthcare provider will do a pelvic exam. They may check the depth and width of your vagina by inserting a gloved finger. Let your provider know if you’re uncomfortable at any point. You’re in charge of your body.
They may recommend imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI to see if your uterus, fallopian tubes or other organs are affected. Your provider may order blood tests to check hormone levels, too.
To understand this condition, you may want to ask:
Treatment for vaginal agenesis includes vaginal dilators and/or surgery. They help extend your vaginal tissue to a typical length and width. You should only start treatment when you feel physically and emotionally ready. The choice is very personal. Your healthcare provider will walk you through your options.
If you have a vaginal opening or a dimple where the opening should be, your provider may recommend using a dilator to create a vagina. Vaginal dilators are tubelike devices made of plastic or medical-grade silicone that stretch your vaginal tissue. You use it every day at home and gradually increase the size.
Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to use the vaginal dilator. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. You’ll have follow-up appointments with your provider to make sure it’s working and to check for any complications, like pain or bleeding.
“Success” with a vaginal dilator means your vagina is functional for comfortable sexual activity. With proper education and readiness, 90% to 96% of females find success.
In some cases, your provider may recommend a procedure called a vaginoplasty to construct a vaginal canal. The technique your provider uses will depend on your anatomy and several other factors. Providers can create a vagina by placing a mold on the absent vagina. They take tissue from elsewhere in your body (like skin or a portion of your bowel) to create a vaginal canal.
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After the surgery, your provider places an insert (stent) in your vagina to maintain its shape. You’ll likely need to use a vaginal dilator to keep the vaginal canal from closing. Your provider will give you specific instructions for recovery.
Getting mental health support is very important when you have this diagnosis. Consider seeing a licensed therapist. Support groups can also be helpful. They create opportunities to learn from and relate to others who have firsthand experience with vaginal agenesis.
Your outlook depends on many factors, especially your wants and needs for vaginal sex and fertility. With treatment, many people have comfortable vaginal sex.
Ask your provider when you can safely have sex after treatment. Everyone’s recovery time is different.
Most people with vaginal agenesis can’t carry a pregnancy. If you have healthy ovaries and eggs, surrogacy may be an option. A uterus transplant may also be an option, but these procedures are very rare. Adoption is another way to start a family.
Vaginal agenesis can be a life-changing diagnosis. It may alter what you thought your future would look like. Although it may not be what you expected, you have options for treatment and starting a family. Lean on your healthcare provider for guidance. And gather a strong network for emotional support — whether that’s family, friends or a support group.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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