Hymenoplasty and why people do it.

If you had a chance to reconstruct your hymen, would you take it?

Hymen repair, also known as hymenoplasty, is a simple surgical procedure meant to reconstruct torn hymens. It involves the excision and stitching of torn edges with dissolvable sutures. Hymenoplasty is not only carried out for the sake of culture and religion, but also for interpersonal relationships. It is important to note that there are many situations that can cause the hymen to break outside of intercourse. These include rigorous activities such as gymnastics, horse and bicycle riding, and the insertion of tampons.

Why do people do hymenoplasty?

People have different reasons for repairing their hymens. Burying their past, cultural beliefs, accidental rupture and enhancing sexual pleasure are some of them. Hymenoplasty does not only involve the repair of hymens, but also includes restructuring due to different conditions as explained below.

1. Imperforate Hymen

This is an inborn hymen defect. It is the most common type of vaginal blockage. It can be diagnosed at any age, but do not pose any problems until the onset of menstruation. Imperforate hymen prevents blood from flowing out, causing problems such as stomach pain, back pain, and fullness in the lower stomach. Hymenoplasty is done to create a small hole in the hymen to allow blood flow.

2. Microperforate Hymen

This is similar to imperforate hymen, only that there is a small hole enough to pass out menstrual flow. This condition doesn’t usually pose any problems, except where one needs to use a tampon.

3. Septate Hymen

The hymen is supposed to be a thin membrane. However, when there are extra tissues in the middle creating two tiny vaginal holes, it is known as a septate hymen. It may impede the use of tampons or penile penetration.

Surgical Procedure

The surgery is not particularly invasive. Patients are placed under local sedation with the whole procedure taking less than an hour. It is carried out without the need for hospitalization. The surgeon brings the torn hymen together by making an incision in the center. Where the remains of the hymen are not enough to stitch together, a sample from the surrounding mucous membrane is used to rebuild a new one. As it heals, the hymen grows back together, resembling a natural one.

Life after Surgery

After surgery, it is normal for patients to have a mild pain as well as swelling and bruising around the repaired area. The pain should subside within a week of proper care. You need to wash the area regularly with soap and water to avoid infections. You should also refrain from physical activities and avoid saunas for at least one month so as to allow proper healing. The doctor should prescribe antibiotics and pain killers to relieve pain and prevent infections. Many patients are able to go back to working just a day after having their hymen repaired.

Risks and complications of hymen repair and restructuring

No matter how small an operation is, there is always a possibility of risks and complications arising. It is important to get the right doctor with adequate knowledge of the dynamics associated with hymenoplasty to have the job done. Complications from hymen repair are rare. However, problems resulting from hymen over-correction may occasionally arise.