What is Hymenoplasty?

Hymenoplasty, known as hymen repair, is a procedure that women sometimes resort to. It is a serious surgery that should be performed by a specialist doctor and it is necessary to have knowledge about it.

What does the Hymen do?

The hymen has no function in an adult female reproductive system. It contributes to preventing vaginal infections during childhood. We can define the hymen, which has different shapes, as the outer mouth of the vagina. It is mostly circular or crescent-shaped.

What is Hymenoplasty?

Hymenoplasty is the process of reuniting the hymen with a surgical operation and suturing it permanently. Hymen repair, also known as hymenoplasty, is a temporary or permanent surgery.

The hymen is a tissue integrity found inside the vagina. During the first sexual intercourse, this tissue is torn and bleeding occurs. However, this does not develop in the same way in all women. In some women, this tissue disruption may not deteriorate until delivery. Therefore, bleeding may not occur during the first sexual experience. In some societies, this situation can be a problem as it is thought that bleeding should occur after the first intercourse. Only the doctor can tell if the hymen is flexible and non-tearable. For this, a specialist gynecologist (gynecologist and obstetrician) examination is required.

How is Hymenoplasty surgery performed?

First of all, the patient needs to consult the doctor to discuss the procedure and make your expectations clear and concise. The doctor will give an idea of the surgery along with the preparation instructions for the hymenoplasty.

Basic technique - If there are remnants of the hymen, it can be reattached. A regional or general anesthetic will be administered to prevent pain and discomfort. The surgeon will stitch up the torn pieces. The entire surgery takes about 30 to 40 minutes and is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Alloplant technique – This technique is followed if the remains cannot be sewn together. The surgeon will insert a biomaterial into the vagina, which will act as the hymen. This procedure takes about two hours and the patient will be under local anesthesia.

Hymen reconstruction – In this procedure, the surgeon will create a new hymen using tissues from the lip of the vagina. However, this method will require the patient to avoid from sexual intercourse for at least three months.

Hymen surgery takes between 15 minutes and 30 minutes with new techniques using laser.

Who can have Hymenoplasty procedure?

· Those who have damaged their hymen due to sex or other activities

· those over the age of 18

· Women who are healthy and do not suffer from any serious disease can have hymenoplasty

· A gynecological examination is also necessary to determine if your hymen can be repaired.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

· Post-operative swelling, pain and bruising

· Hematoma and bleeding

· Coloring the hymen

· Numbness

However, these are minor side effects and the healthcare team will make sure to take all necessary precautions to prevent problems and reduce discomfort.

Recovery After Hymenoplasty Operation

The patient will be observed in the recovery room for several hours after the treatment and will be relieved if there are no complications. The individual can resume work after 3 to 4 days. However, it is recommended to start moderate activities only after 10 days.

Things to consider after the surgery;

The patient will need to keep the area clean and use antibiotics to prevent any infection.

· The patient should use cold compresses and ice packs to relieve pain and swelling.

· The patient can take a bath 2-3 days after the operation.

· The patient should avoid having sex until 8 weeks after the surgery.

· Complete recovery takes between 4 and 6 weeks.

Is Hymenoplasty procedure permanent?

The hymen will stop until the patient has sexual intercourse.