The correct spelling of the medical term for a septate hymen is "hymen septus". It is pronounced in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈhaɪmən ˈsɛptəs/. The term refers to a condition in which a thin piece of tissue divides the vaginal opening, causing discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, or physical activity. It is important to seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms, as a simple surgical procedure can relieve the discomfort and improve overall quality of life.
Hymen septus is a medical term that refers to a congenital condition in which an extra layer of tissue, known as a septum, partially or completely obstructs the vaginal opening. This condition occurs during fetal development when the hymen, a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina, fails to dissolve properly.
A hymen septus is typically characterized by a band or sheet of tissue that stretches across the vaginal opening, resulting in a partition or division of the vaginal canal. The severity of the septum may vary, with some cases only partially blocking the opening, while others completely obstruct it. This can lead to complications during sexual intercourse, menstruation, or even childbirth.
Symptoms of hymen septus may include experiencing pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse, difficulty inserting tampons, irregular or painful periods, recurrent urinary tract infections, or a persistent feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area. However, some individuals with this condition may remain asymptomatic until puberty or sexual activity commences.
Treatment for hymen septus often involves a minor surgical procedure called a hymenotomy or hymenectomy. This procedure removes the obstructing tissue, allowing for the relief of symptoms and restoring normal vaginal function. It is important to note that hymen septus is a relatively uncommon condition, and proper medical evaluation and diagnosis are necessary to determine the appropriate treatment approach for each individual case.
One in which there are two openings, separated by a narrow band of tissue; see h. bifenestratus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hymen septus" is not accurate in terms of etymology. "Hymen" refers to the thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening and comes from the Greek word "húmnos", meaning "membrane" or "web". However, "septus" is not related to the etymology of hymen. "Septus" in Latin means "walled" or "enclosed". So, "hymen septus" is not a valid etymological term.