Case report: a rare case of congenital vulvar malformation that is often overlooked.

BackgroundIn the spectrum of female vulvar and vaginal malformations, in addition to the well-known congenital absence of the vagina, vaginal atresia, vaginal septum, vaginal oblique septum, and vaginal vestibule atresia, there are also some rare types of vulvar-vaginal malformations that have received less attention in the literature. These malformations have complex and diverse clinical manifestations and often coexist with abnormalities in the urinary system, anus, and rectum. They are prone to misdiagnosis and also lack precise diagnostic and treatment principles as well as appropriate surgical timing.Case presentationWe report a case of a 17-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with fusion of the labia minora. The patient is unable to have sexual intercourse, and concurrently experiences progressively worsening dysmenorrhea.We performed a labiaplasty on her and the postoperative recovery was good. Three months after the surgery, the dysmenorrhea symptoms were significantly anesised and the outcome was satisfactory.ConclusionFusion of the labia minora is an underrecognized disease of vaginal outlet obstruction. Surgical reconstruction appears effective in relieving symptoms, though optimal timing remains unclear. Early recognition and individualized management are recommended. More data are needed to guide standardized care.