[bee567]

hello! i am 23 years old and i have always had a loop of tissue connecting the front and back of my vaginal opening. i never really looked into it because i thought it was either a normal inconvenience or that there was something very Wrong with me and wanted to ignore it. after a bit of research though, i learned i have a septate hymen.

i have had sex with people with and without penises and it has hurt but nothing unbearable as the opening on one side is large enough. i also often get my tampon stuck in it but by now i have a strategy that mostly avoids problems. i have read that it often thins or breaks by itself with intercourse but mine has not yet and i doubt it will as it is a decently thick chuck of tissue. i have also read that there is a surgery to remove it but i do not want to do that unless it’s medically necessary. like i said, i manage to deal with tampons and as a lesbian i don’t plan on having sex with men so pain on penetration is likely not the biggest deal for me. the main thing i wonder about is that i feel like i get yeast infections more than usual despite wearing cotton undies, buying new ones often, not sleeping in anything tight, not having sex often and always peeing after, etc and i’m wondering if this could contribute. the extra tissue literally hangs out at times.

i’m very nervous about going to the doctor about this. i have a lot of internalized shame about sex in general and asking to do anything about it just feels so iffy to me. it’s also been exacerbating my feelings that there’s something Wrong with me even though i would never think that about someone else who has this. the idea of getting it caught or stuck makes me feel nauseous. i’m just wondering if anyone else had any experience with this or insights

[Wednesday L.F.]

Hello and welcome to our forums!
We're happy to have you here.

I can't speak to the particulars of the physical symptoms you describe. But I have found myself, at times, terrified to see a doctor about a similar issue.

Do you feel comfortable speaking to your regular doctor about this? If not, I'd suggest calling the nearest Planned Parenthood and explaining essentially what you've said here. They can help you understand your options, and let you choose the gender of your doctor if that's a factor for you. Personally, I feel more relaxed and comfortable being open and truthful with women doctors who I know are sex-positive.

Whatever you decide, I would urge you to make a doctor's appointment as soon as you're able. Knowing what's up will likely help you feel better even if you don't get an immediate solution.

[alihassan]

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling nervous and ashamed about your condition. It's important to remember that having a septate hymen is a normal variation in anatomy and is nothing to be ashamed of. It's also great that you have been able to manage your symptoms and discomfort thus far.

In terms of the potential link between your septate hymen and yeast infections, it's possible that the extra tissue could create a space where moisture can accumulate and create an environment that is more conducive to the growth of yeast. However, this is not always the case and there may be other factors contributing to your recurrent yeast infections.

If you feel comfortable, it would be a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider about your concerns. They can help you determine whether your septate hymen is contributing to your symptoms and can provide guidance on potential treatment options. It's understandable to feel nervous or embarrassed about discussing this with a healthcare provider, but it's important to remember that they are trained professionals who have seen and heard it all before.

If you're not ready to see a healthcare provider, you may want to consider reaching out to a trusted friend or loved one who can offer support and help you feel more comfortable about seeking medical care. Alternatively, there are many online resources and support groups where you can connect with others who have similar experiences and get advice and guidance.