Hymenoplasty

Hymenoplasty (also known as hymen repair, hymenorrhaphy, or hymen reconstruction) is a surgical procedure that involves reconstructing the hymen.

The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina. During puberty, estrogen causes the hymen to change its appearance and become very elastic.

Hymenoplasty is a form of female genital cosmetic surgery that involves suturing the folds remaining after the hymen.

Any torn skin around the edges of the hymen is gently and neatly cut away, after which the remaining tissue is stitched together, leaving a small opening. This restores the hymenal ring to standard size and shape.

If there is not enough skin to restore the hymen, or if a hymen is nonexistent, the specialist surgeon may create one, using either some of the body’s own thin vaginal skin (vaginal mucosa) or synthetic tissue. The procedure generally involves stitching the torn edges of the hymen together with dissolvable stitches. A small blood supply may be added, either artificial or the patient’s own taken from a piece of the vaginal flap, thus simulating the traditional bleeding upon subsequent penetration.

As a result, the hymen is reconstructed, or at least the partner has the impression of the presence of the hymen.

This is to ensure that the woman bleeds when she next has sexual intercourse.

Hymenoplasty is performed under local anesthesia.

Clinically speaking, a torn or damaged hymen is not irrefutable confirmation of virginity loss by sexual activity. Depending on its rigidity, hymen injury can be caused by normal everyday activities such as strenuous athletics, horseback or bicycle riding, a simple gynecological examination with a speculum or gloved finger insertion, or masturbation. Even placing a tampon into the vagina may rupture it.

Hymenoplasty is often requested by women for physical, psychological, or cultural reasons. The procedure is most often performed by women who want to rebuild their religious, cultural, or ethnic beliefs. In many countries, the procedure is reimbursed if the patient was a rape victim. In this case, the procedure may help regain mental balance and comfort during intercourse with a loved partner.

Depending on why you might request hymenoplasty, this may be a delicate subject to discuss. Please, be assured that our specialist surgeons are familiar with the reasons patients ask for this procedure, and fully understand you in regard to this subject. Our doctors will help you to be as comfortable and confident with it as possible.

The procedure should always be preceded by a professional medical consultation and a complete set of preoperative blood tests.

It is also recommended for the patients stop smoking prior to the procedure.

Patients should be able to return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours after they have had a hymenoplasty.

Women may return to work the next day, however, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided. During the first 48 to 72 hours, there may be some slight bleeding, but this is perfectly normal.

Full healing takes approximately six weeks. There will be no visible signs of surgery and it will be impossible to tell the difference between a natural hymen and a reconstructed one. At this time, the reconstruction process will be complete, and all the sensations associated with virginal, first-time sex may be experienced.

After the procedure, it is recommended to ensure increased vaginal hygiene to prevent any infection.

The postoperative period is generally not very painful and may require painkillers.

The sutures will normally disappear in eight to twelve days.

It is advisable to wait three to four weeks before resuming sexual activity.

Hymenoplasty cannot be performed in women who gave birth, as well as in women who suffer from unmanaged diabetes, vaginal infection, or cancer.

Contraindications include bleeding diathesis, coagulation disorders, unregulated high blood pressure, unregulated diabetes, and purulent infection of the skin and mucous membranes.

The complications associated with this type of surgery are extremely rare. However, patients should contact their doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms: dizziness, pain beyond moderate discomfort after three days, unusual or foul-smelling discharge, intense itching, abnormal bleeding, and Inflammation.