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Cervical Agenesis

Conditions

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Cervical agenesis occurs when a girl is born without a cervix, the opening at the bottom of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Cervical agenesis usually occurs along with vaginal agenesis, a condition in which a girl is born without a vagina. 

Patients can be seen by Texas Children's experts in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

Causes & Risk Factors

Cervical agenesis occurs when the baby’s reproductive system fails to develop fully in the womb. Other reproductive organs may also be missing or smaller than usual.

The cause of this abnormal fetal development is not yet known.

Symptoms & Types

Symptoms may include:

  • Failure to start having periods at puberty (primary amenorrhea)
  • Abdominal pain 

Diagnosis & Tests

A missing cervix may be discovered during a pelvic exam, which may prompt additional testing including:

  • Ultrasound – to obtain images of the internal reproductive organs
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – for more detailed images

Treatment & Care

Treatment depends on the individual and their symptoms. Treatment strategies include:

  • Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) – Used to prevent periods since the menstrual blood is unable to flow from the body.  Used to alleviate pain symptoms.