The hymen is a tissue covering the vaginal opening completely or partially. It is a thin piece of mucosal tissue covering the opening of the vagina or a doughnut-shaped ring around the vagina (hymenal ring)
Women’s hymen break or tear due to various reasons. Some of the reasons are women involved in sports, dance, and utilizing tampons. Hymen damage does not happen due to sexual intercourse, which is believed as one of the popular reasons. Hence, the breakage or damage of the hymen does not relate to a women’s virginity.
There are various reasons women can undergo hymenoplasty. Some of the common reasons include virginity and marriage, some norms concerning community or culture regarding hymen or to repair a hymen that is damaged due to sexual activity
What is hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty is related to the surgical restoration of the hymen. It is also referred to as hymenorrhaphy or hymen reconstruction surgery or hymen restoration surgery or re-virgination surgery.
This is a simple procedure that is performed by giving local anesthesia. There are three different ways to perform hymenoplasty.
This is a simple procedure that is performed by giving local anesthesia. There are three different ways to perform hymenoplasty.
- The first technique is the surgeon would use dissolvable tissues to sew the damaged parts of the hymen by giving local anesthesia. This is done when there are remains of the hymen. This procedure would take only 30 minutes.
- The second technique is called the Alloplant technique. In this way, the surgeon inserts a bio-material inside the vagina which acts as a hymen. This can be removed during sexual intercourse or other activities. This procedure would take 2 hours.
- The third technique is to reconstruct a fully functional hymen with a good blood supply using the lining of the vagina.
Why do women consider hymenoplasty?
Sexual Assault
Restoring the hymen after sexual assault gives women confidence, psychological comfort, and healing.
Accidents
Due to any accident or injury, the hymen may get damaged. Women want to restore their hymen before their first intercourse.
Sexual pleasure
Concerning age and time, especially after childbirth, the vagina gets weakened and sexual pleasure also lowers. This surgery will tighten the vagina muscles and enhance sexual pleasure.
Risks
This surgery does not leave any visible scars. Some abnormalities are,
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
- Pain for days together.
- Dizziness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Unpleasant odor
- Infection
In such cases, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Recovery
The recovery time post this surgery is usually for 4 to 6 weeks. Since dissolvable tissues are used there is no need for suture removal