Gynecologic Problems Hemorrhage and infection sometimes occur when infibulation is carried out in the bush. Fortunately, despite the crude methods employed, both complications are rare. Large, painful suprapubic inclusions systs sometimes form after infibulation and can be easily excised. In similar fashion, unsightly hypertrophic scars also may require excision. If the vagina has been closed too tightly hematocolpos will develop at the time of onset of menstruation and must be relieved by opening the adherent labia.
Urinary retention is another complication that results from obstruction of the external orifice.
Stones formed in the vagina and the patient also suffered from pyelonephritis. As might be expected, accidental injuries to the vagina and the bladder during separation of the infibulation at the time of the delivery are frequent and these injuries often cause troublesome vesicovaginal fistulas. Inspection of the genitals reveals the typical partially closed vaginal orifice and the patient will give a history of a ritual operation in childhood. Separation of the infibulation will be necessary to alleviate the gynecologic problem or to allow vaginal delivery. Summary Infibulation is the term given to a primitive sexual operation in which the labia are approximated to obstruct the vagina.