Kuku Mariam Suresh
BACKGROUND The vagina and endometrium show varying thickness in response to sex steroids. The vaginal wall layers have oestrogen receptors. This study uses technique described by Balica A. et al. The aim is to compute the two parameters, VMT and VWT in different age groups using transabdominal ultrasonography. Oestrogen regulates growth and function of the vaginal layers, demonstrated in laboratory animal studies. Only few articles describe these parameters. The aim of the study is to compute the two parameters, VMT and VWT using transabdominal Ultrasonography in pubertal, reproductive age group and perimenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Transabdominal Ultrasonography was done in 200 patients over four months study period. Total Vaginal Wall Thickness (VWT) and Vaginal Mucosal Thickness (VMT) were measured. RESULTS Of 200 subjects, 14% were in pubertal age group. 58% patients were of the reproductive middle age group (19-45 years) and 28% were of the perimenopausal group (>45 years). Average total VMT measured 0.1024cm for the pubertal group, 0.2991cm for the reproductive group and 0.1205 cm in perimenopausal group, while VWT measures 0.6555 cm, 1.2814 cm and 0.7098 cm for the above groups respectively. CONCLUSION Study showed maximum vaginal wall parameters in adult reproductive age group and minimum values in perimenopausal age group. The sexually active group showed highest parameters. Thus, it is imperative to establish standard values based on the sexual activity, and thus, help in medico-legal evaluation of sexually traumatised females.
