A hymenal tag is a common, benign protrusion of tissue from the hymen, a thin membrane at the vaginal opening. These tags are typically harmless and often go unnoticed. They are generally not a cause for worry.
What Hymenal Tags Are
Hymenal tags are small, fleshy pieces of extra tissue projecting from the hymen’s edge. They vary in size, number, and shape. Most are small and may be difficult to see, appearing the same color as surrounding skin, or occasionally slightly darker or paler. Some resemble a small, stalk-like growth. They are most commonly found at the superior (upper) and inferior (lower) positions of the hymen, though they can appear laterally.
Tags often form as remnants from hymen development during fetal growth, considered a harmless difference in how the hymen forms. They may also represent residual tissue from an earlier vaginal septum. Hymenal tags can also develop after the hymen tears, such as from physical activity, tampon use, or sexual intercourse, when a small piece of tissue does not completely recede.
Hymenal tags can also appear following vaginal childbirth, where labor may lead to new tags or reshape existing tissue. Existing tags might disappear after vaginal delivery as the tissue is disrupted. While precise causes are not fully understood, hymenal tags are generally recognized as a natural anatomical feature rather than a medical condition.
When Medical Advice is Needed
Most hymenal tags are asymptomatic, causing no noticeable issues and typically requiring no treatment. Many tags present at birth, particularly in infants, often resolve on their own, with a significant number disappearing by three years of age. However, specific situations warrant medical advice.
Medical consultation is recommended if a hymenal tag causes discomfort or irritation. This can occur during physical activities like cycling or horseback riding, sexual intercourse, or tampon insertion. Persistent or severe pain around the vaginal opening also warrants evaluation.
Other symptoms necessitating a doctor’s visit include unexplained bleeding or spotting from the area, which might occur if the tag tears. Swelling or a change in the tag’s color also indicates a need for medical attention. Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or unusual discharge, should prompt a consultation. A healthcare provider can diagnose a hymenal tag through visual examination and discuss treatment options if it causes problems.