In recent times request for hymenoplasty has increased. This is a surgical procedure for restoration of the hymen, also called hymenorrhaphy or reorganisation. And while endless debates continue on whether it should be done or not I believe it is the choice of a patient. Numerous cultures and religions still believe that having a hymen is a sign of virginity and purity. Needless to say, it is not just sexual intercourse but even sports like cycling, horse riding and gymnastics as well as trauma and even fingering and use of tampons and menstrual cups can cause the hymen to rupture. On the other hand, sometimes the hymen is so elastic that it may not tear even after a woman is sexually active.

NOW, WHAT IS THIS HYMEN?

The hymen is a thin ,flexible or thick and elastic tissue that is crescent or doughnut-shaped and guards the lower part of the vaginal opening. It begins to form when the foetus is still in the mother’s womb at around the 4 th month of pregnancy. It allows for menstrual blood and vaginal secretions to come out, so it is not an impenetrable seal. This serves no real purpose but in some cultures ,is still believed to be a sign of virginiy once it ruptures at the first penile penetration. In some women a hymen may not be present at all; that’s 1:1000 cases.

REASONS FOR HYMENOPLASTY:

Cultural beliefs

To bury the past especially if hymen rupture has happened after sexual molestation 

Accidental rupture while sporting or some of the non sexual reasons Ive spoken about 

Enhancement of sexual pleasure after childbirth: This procedure can also be done along with tightening of vaginal muscles in women whose muscles may become flaccid due to childbirth and with age.

Imperforate hymen: this is a birth condition where the hymen completely covers the vaginal opening and there is no way for menstrual blood and secretions to track down. This condition requires a small hole to be made in the hymen, a procedure called hymenotomy.

Septate hymen where the hymen is split into rope-like bands. This can also be corrected by hymenotomy.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING HYMENOPLASTY?

BEFORE SURGERY

You will be asked to get a few blood tests done and will be asked to give up smoking for a few days prior to the procedure. If you are on any blood thinners, those will need to be stopped too, at least 10 days prior to the procedure.

It is a daycare procedure and you are discharged after a few hours on the very same day.

Strict confidentiality is maintained.

DURING SURGERY

It takes under an hour to do the surgery.

Local anaesthesia is generally all that is required 

The old hymenal tags are freshened and hymen recreated from the same tags in two layers

Sometimes if hymenal tissue is missing it can be created from the vaginal tissue

AFTER SURGERY

Immediately after the procedure, there may be a bit of spotting and swelling 

You can return to work after 1-4 days

You will be given antibiotics and a mild pain killer though most cases have only mild discomfort 

You have to abstain from intercourse for at least six weeks till healing happens 

Avoid tampon use, fingering ,  sports,the latter for at least 3 weeks

This procedure is done with absorbable, very fine sutures and does not need stitch removal. Stitches dissolve on their own

COMPLICATIONS

 There may be slight swelling, spotting and discharge

Itching 

Occasionally there be an infection 

This is, as you may see now, a very simple procedure that may restore not just the hymen but also control over your body if you make the choice. For some women, it may signify healing from traumatic past sexual experiences one may want to forget. ULTIMATELY ITS YOUR BODY; THE CHOICE SHOULD REMAIN YOURS!