Urinary Retention due to Imperforate Hymen - A Case Series

Abstract

Four cases are reported, of young girls in their early teens with urinary retention due to imperforate hymen. The girls presented to the University Teaching Hospital Lusaka Zambia with history of recurrent episodes of urinary retention during their menses. Upon examinations they were found to have hematocolpos and thickened hymen, which ranged from complete to partially imperforate. Ultrasound studies showed evidence of non homogenous echogenic masses suggestive of blood in the uterus. These patients were referred to the obstetrics department where the diagnosis was confirmed and subsequent excision of hymen with uterine evacuations was done. No subsequent episodes of urinary retention were observed. Urinary retention is the commonest cause of emergency admission in urology at the university Teaching Hospital Lusaka. It is more common in men than women. It is even uncommon in young teenage women. These case reports highlight the importance of high index of suspicion, careful examination and reproductive health education for young women especially in the African context.