October, 19 2023 INTRODUCTION

Esteemed colleagues, I am privileged to address you today on a topic of

profound significance in the realm of healthcare and human biology – "Congenital
Abnormalities." This presentation seeks to unravel the complexities, implications,
and multidisciplinary facets of congenital abnormalities, which are birth defects that
affect individuals from the very outset of life. Understanding this subject is not
merely an academic endeavor but a vital step towards enhancing the quality of life
and the well-being of countless individuals worldwide.

Congenital abnormalities, also known as congenital anomalies or birth defects,

encompass a vast spectrum of conditions that can impact an individual's structure,
function, or development, ranging from subtle variations to profound and life-
altering differences. These anomalies may affect any system or organ in the human
body, often posing challenges that require careful management, specialized medical
interventions, and, in many cases, lifelong care.
 CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES
• Congenital abnormalities, also known as congenital anomalies or birth
defects, are structural or functional abnormalities that are present at birth.
These abnormalities can affect various parts of the body, including organs,
limbs, or systems. They can be caused by genetic factors, environmental
factors, or a combination of both. Here are some key details about
congenital abnormalities
TYPES OF CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES
• Structural Abnormalities: These involve the physical structure of the body.
Common examples include heart defects, cleft lip and palate, and limb
malformations.
• Functional Abnormalities: These affect the functioning of specific organs or
systems. Examples include congenital heart disease, metabolic disorders,
and neural tube defects
 • CAUSES
• Genetic Factors: Some congenital abnormalities are caused by genetic
mutations or chromosomal abnormalities. These can be inherited from
parents or occur spontaneously.

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors during

pregnancy can lead to congenital abnormalities. These factors may include
infections, medications, alcohol, and tobacco.

• Timing of Occurrence: Congenital abnormalities can occur at any stage of

pregnancy. Some develop very early, even before a woman realizes she is
pregnant, while others may develop later in gestation.
 DIAGNOSIS
• Prenatal Diagnosis: Some congenital abnormalities can be detected during
pregnancy through various screening and diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound,
amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling.
• Postnatal Diagnosis: In other cases, abnormalities are identified after birth during
routine physical examinations or when symptoms become evident.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
• Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the congenital abnormality.
They may include surgeries, medications, therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
• Some congenital abnormalities may require ongoing medical care and monitoring
throughout a person's life.
PREVENTION
• Preventing congenital abnormalities often involves preconception and prenatal
care. This includes avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, taking folic
acid supplements, and managing chronic medical conditions.
 IMPERFORATE VAGINA/HYMEN
• Imperforate vagina and imperforate hymen are two related but distinct
congenital conditions affecting the female reproductive and genital anatomy.
Let's delve into each condition in depth:
IMPERFORATE HYMEN
• What is an Imperforate Hymen? An imperforate hymen is a congenital
condition in which the hymen, a thin membrane that partially covers the
opening of the vaginal canal, completely blocks the vaginal opening. This
results in an obstruction of the normal outflow of menstrual blood and can
cause various symptoms.
CAUSES
• Imperforate hymen is typically a result of incomplete dissolution of the
hymen during fetal development, leading to a persistent membrane.
 IMPERFORATE VAGINA
• What is an Imperforate Vagina? An imperforate vagina is a congenital
condition where the lower part of the vaginal canal is completely blocked,
resulting in the absence of a vaginal opening.
Causes
• Imperforate vagina can occur due to a failure in the development of the
vaginal canal during fetal growth.
Symptoms
• Like imperforate hymen, imperforate vagina may not be apparent until
puberty or adolescence. Common symptoms include:
• Primary amenorrhea.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain during menstruation as menstrual blood
accumulates behind the obstruction.
• Difficulty or pain during sexual intercourse.
 Diagnosis:
• Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination and imaging
studies, similar to imperforate hymen. This confirms the obstruction and the
absence of a vaginal opening.

Treatment
• Surgical intervention is also the primary treatment for imperforate vagina.
The procedure, known as a vaginoplasty, involves creating a vaginal opening
to allow for normal menstruation and sexual activity. The surgical approach
may vary depending on the specific anatomy and extent of the blockage.
 BICORNUATE UTERUS
• A bicornuate uterus, also known as a "heart-shaped" uterus, is a congenital
uterine anomaly in which the uterus is divided into two separate cavities by
a longitudinal septum or wall. This condition can affect a woman's
reproductive health and may be associated with specific challenges. Let's
explore the details of a bicornuate uterus.
UTERINE ANATOMY
• Normal Uterus: In a typical, healthy female reproductive system, the uterus
is a pear-shaped organ with a single cavity. It has a fundus (top), body (main
portion), and cervix (lower end), and it is designed to support pregnancy and
menstruation.
• In a bicornuate uterus, the organ has a central septum that creates two
smaller cavities. This septum can extend partially or almost entirely down
the uterus, dividing it into two "horns." The degree of separation can vary.
 • CAUSES
• A bicornuate uterus is a congenital condition, meaning it's present from
birth. It occurs during fetal development when the two sides of the uterus do
not fully fuse as they normally would.
• SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS
• In many cases, a bicornuate uterus does not cause any noticeable symptoms.
• However, it can be associated with various reproductive challenges, such as
an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and breech presentation
(baby positioned feet-first at birth)
 DIAGNOSIS
• Diagnosis of a bicornuate uterus is typically made through imaging studies,
such as ultrasound or MRI, which can visualize the uterine shape and
septum.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
• The management and treatment of a bicornuate uterus depend on the
individual's specific circumstances and reproductive goals. Options include:
OBSERVATION: If there are no symptoms or complications, no treatment
may be necessary.
SURGERY
In some cases, a surgical procedure called a metroplasty may be considered to
correct the uterine abnormality. This procedure involves removing or reducing
the septum to create a more normal uterine shape. It can potentially improve
the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications.
 • Fertility Treatments: Depending on the severity of the
bicornuate uterus and any associated fertility issues, assisted
reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be
considered
 HERMAPHRODITISM
• Hermaphroditism, or intersexuality, is a condition where an individual
possesses biological characteristics of both sexes, often involving
variations in the development of the reproductive and sexual anatomy.
This complex and diverse condition challenges the traditional binary
understanding of male and female sexes.
• hermaphroditism occurs as a results of the abnormal development of the
reproductive system during fetal development. The term
“hermaphroditism” refers to a condition in which an individual has both
male and female reproductive organs.
 • THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF HERMAPHRODITISM
• TRUE HERMAPHRODITISM is a rare intersex condition in which an
individual is born with both ovarian and testicular tissue
• PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM, on the other hand, is a condition in which an
individual has a matching chromosomal and gonadal tissue (ovary or testis) sex,
but mismatching external genitalia
SYMPTOMS OF HERMAPHRODITISM
• Hermaphrodites have both ovarian and testicular tissue. The external genitals
are ambiguous and have components of both sexes. Hermaphroditic people can
look both female and male.
CAUSES
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common causes of
ambiguous genitalia in newborns. It is a genetic disorder that affects the adrenal
glands and causes them to produce excess androgens, which can lead to
virilization of the external genitalia in females.
 TREATMENT OF HERMAPHRODITISM
• The treatment of Hermaphroditism is done with corticosteroid
hormones. But you have to take hormones for the rest of your life,
because it’s an enzymatic defect.The range of treatments also
includes surgical interventions, decided on a case-by-case basis
and, of course, psychological support.
• In conclusion, hermaphroditism, or intersexuality, is a complex and
multifaceted phenomenon that challenges traditional notions of
binary gender. Understanding and respecting the rights and
identities of intersex individuals, as well as promoting medical
practices that prioritize informed consent and well-being, are
important steps in ensuring that intersex people are treated with
dignity and equity.
 PRESENTED BY GROUP SEVEN (7)
NAMES INDEX NUMBER

SHAIBU RAKIB…………………NMCKTRGN220110
KPORKU FELIX………………...NMCKTRGN220084
SHINE WOSOR………………… NMCKTRGN220016
JONES NYADEGBE…………....NMCKTRGN220025
SARAH AKUA ABEBRESE……NMCKTRGN220097
PRECIOUS ANKUTSE…………NMCKTRGN220068
PHYLIS BOADU………………NMCKTRGN220085
WISDOM SERLOM……………NMCKTRGN22
KAHIA SARAH……………….. NMCKTRGN220028
ABIGAIL SARPONG…………. NMCKTRGN220030