Evaluation of hymenal adhesions resection in the treatment of recurrent post-coital cystitis

Objective: To describe and evaluate the technique of hymenal adhesions resection in the treatment of recurrent post-coital cystitis.

Materials and methods: Monocentric retrospective observational study including patients operated for hymenal adhesions resection between 2013 and 2020. The indication was based on the association of 4 conditions: at least 3 episodes of documented cystitis per year, a post-coital rhythm, a failure of preventing hygienic and dietary rules, a negative etiological assessment except for the existence of hymenal adhesions.

Results: Twenty-three patients were included. The procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. With a mean follow-up of 36.5 months (standard deviation: 22.3), 21 patients (91%) reported a correction of recurrent post-coital cystitis, 16 (70%) had 1 to 2 annual episodes of cystitis, 19 (83%) reported improvement with surgery and satisfaction was rated on average at 8.5/10 (standard deviation: 2.15). None of the 23 patients had persistent documented recurrent cystitis after surgery, 12 (52%) had 1 to 2 documented episodes annually, and 11 (48%) had no documented recurrence. Three cases of postoperative complications were observed: vulvovaginitis, delayed healing, and pyelonephritis. No cases of dyspareunia were reported during the follow-up.

Conclusion: In case of post-coital cystitis, accompanied by hymenal adhesions, and without any other identified cause, the removal of hymenal adhesions could be an alternative to iterative antibiotic therapy.