Psychologic aspects of vaginal agenesis.

An assessment of the psychologic aspects of total vaginal agenesis was done on 54 patients. Emotional reactions to the diagnosis and treatment varied with the age of the patient and her relationship with her parents. Some were initially depressed, questioning themselves as females and their futures as wives and mothers. Sterility was the most difficult aspect to accept. Postoperative compliance with dilator use varied with the extent of the preparation for surgery and the extent of the open, supportive relationships with the staff and family. Prolonged counseling, with monitoring of emotional reactions and reinforcement with factual information, was a vital part of the medical management and had an impact on the final result.