Leeches may attach to many body sites, including the vaginal mucosa.
Risk factors for leech infestation:
(1) poor and rural
(2) bathing in natural body of water
(3) immersion in swamp or marsh
(4) living in an area where leeches are prevalent
A leech infestation of the vaginal mucosa can occur at any age, but complicated cases tend to occur in the very young and in postmenopausal women.
Complications may include:
(1) vaginal bleeding, which can result in hematuria
(2) anemia, often iron deficiency anemia
(3) hypovolemic shock
(4) infection
A careful vaginal exam should demonstrate any attached leeches. A cursory exam may miss a small leech in the posterior fornix.
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Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Obstetrics & Gynecology
