Have you ever heard of hymenoplasty? Hymen surgery is a minor surgical treatment used to restore or repair the hymen, a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. Women usually undergo hymen surgery for a couple of reasons, such as cultural, religious, or personal convictions. It is a minimally invasive procedure with little to no side effects. When performed by an experienced surgeon, hymen surgery is a safe and effective procedure.
If you want to know more about hymen surgery, read below.
What is Hymen Surgery?
The vaginal region is enclosed by a thin layer of tissue called the hymen. The hymen can readily rupture during a variety of activities, including strenuous sports like horseback riding, tampon insertion, or even routine pap screenings or sexual intercourse. Since there may be little to no pain and little blood loss, many women might not even be aware that their hymen has torn.
Hymenoplasty, another name for hymen surgery, is an advanced technique used to create a new hymen or repair a torn one. The healing and restoration of your hymen will occur six weeks following surgery. The hymen will stay intact, and patients will experience a natural hymen break after having intercourse after the surgery. When performed by a professional, hymen surgery will seem natural.
The Procedure for Hymen Surgery
Meet your doctor for a consultation. They will assess your health and body to decide your suitability for the hymen repair surgery. After that, you will have to change your clothes and wear a hospital gown. The doctor will give you an anesthetic or sedative medicine. Your doctor will cut extra hymenal tissue using advanced and specialized tools during hymen surgery. After that, the incision will be closed using absorbable stitches. These stitches will prevent the area from bleeding. Your incision may be around your vaginal opening or just below it, depending on the size and shape of the hymenal tissue. The procedure will typically take less than an hour, after which you can return home.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
Following hymen surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area. Make sure you comprehend your recuperation instructions, including which activities or medications to avoid, before you leave for home.
- For at least two to four weeks, or until your doctor gives the all-clear, avoid putting anything into your vagina.
- To ease discomfort and encourage healing, you can take warm sitz baths multiple times a day.
- Until your healthcare physician gives the all-clear, avoid lifting anything heavy or exercising.
- Some medical professionals will advise applying a topical lotion or spray to the affected region.
- After surgery, you can often resume your regular showering and bathing routine. When cleaning and drying the area surrounding the incision, exercise great caution.
- Make an appointment with your healthcare provider for a follow-up.
Ideal Candidates for Hymen Surgery
- Women who feel passionately about having their hymen restored and are in good health make the greatest candidates for hymen surgery.
- Patients undergoing hymenoplasty should also have reasonable expectations about what the treatment would accomplish.
- Although hymen repair can provide psychological and emotional support or will meet religious and/or cultural standards for sexual relations, it cannot restore your virginity.
How Long Does Hymen Surgery Last?
Repairing the hymen is a permanent procedure. Hymen repair will continue until your hymen breaks again, which normally happens on its own after having intercourse following the treatment. Your hymen should stay intact if you do not engage in intercourse after your surgery, unless it breaks because of strenuous activity, an early vaginal insertion, or other unanticipated circumstances—all of which are generally uncommon.
Potential Risks of Hymen Surgery
Hymen surgery is normally considered highly safe. However, there may be some potential risks:
Pain: Following the operation, some levels of pain and discomfort are typical. However, discomfort usually subsides as the patient recovers and can be controlled with prescription painkillers.
Swelling: Following hymenoplasty surgery, swelling at the surgical site is a typical side effect.
Bruises or Scarring: The surgical location may sustain bruises or scars. Usually modest, these diminish with time. Most of the time, the scars are not readily apparent.
Skin Discoloration: Although uncommon, skin discoloration can happen occasionally. It normally goes away as the healing process progresses, though.