Experiences of vaginal lengthening treatment and sexual well-being in women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: An interview study

Objective

To explore how women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome experience dilation or surgical vaginal lengthening treatment, and their current sexual well-being.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Setting

Denmark.

Population

Women aged ≥25 years diagnosed with MRKH syndrome.

Methods

Semi-structured video interviews were conducted with 18 women. Interviews lasted a median of 92 min and were digitally recorded, transcribed and anonymised. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

A qualitative analysis of women's experiences.

Results

The analysis identified three themes. Firstly, Experiences with dilation treatment revealed dilation as an awkward routine, especially for adolescents living with parents and yet to sexually debut. While some experienced successful vaginal lengthening, others faced treatment failure leading to frustration and self-blame. Secondly, Experiences with neovaginal surgery described the procedure as extremely painful but resulting in a ‘normal size’ vagina. Some women felt that the procedure had negatively impacted their self-confidence, and all underscored the importance of maturity before opting for surgery. Lastly, Current sex life and sexual well-being indicated a well-functioning sex life for many women, but with reported low sexual confidence and genital self-image due to the perceived ‘deviance’ of their genitalia.

Conclusions

For women with MRKH syndrome, vaginal lengthening treatment, whether through dilation or surgery, may result in a ‘normal size’ vagina. However, according to the women's experiences, vaginal lengthening treatment does not adequately foster positive sexual esteem and genital self-image.