Hymen reconstruction - Medical specialists

Definition of hymen reconstruction

The hymen is a thin layer of tissue around the vaginal entrance that ensures that the vaginal opening is partially closed. In many women, the hymen tears during defloration, the first sexual intercourse or, in rare cases, during intense exercise. This often only happens completely during childbirth. Tearing is usually associated with a small amount of harmless bleeding.

If you wish to have your hymen restored, it is possible to have this done as part of a minor surgical procedure. The operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis and is part of intimate surgery. The procedure is called hymen reconstruction and is performed by a specialist in intimate surgery.

Reasons for treatment

Reconstruction of the hymen is not a medical requirement. The function of the thin membrane is not clearly defined. Doctors assume that it has a protective function against infections in childhood. The membrane makes it more difficult for pathogens to penetrate the vagina. With the onset of puberty, however, a hormonal change takes place and lactic acid bacteria provide the necessary protection. The hymen becomes ineffective as a protective factor and can generally be dispensed with.

There are cultural reasons why some women wish to have their hymen restored. In some cultures, it is customary for a woman to begin her marriage as a virgin. As proof of virginity, a bloodstain is expected on the bed sheet on the wedding night. The young women do not want to offend their families and wish to uphold the tradition. For ethical reasons, many gynecologists accept the procedure involved.

If your hymen is no longer intact, contact your treating gynecologist with confidence if you wish to have it restored. It is possible that your hymen has already torn during puberty, even without sexual intercourse. Your doctor will point out that there are many triggers for damage to the hymen. In addition, it is conceivable that in some cases there is no bleeding even if the hymen is torn.

Treatment methods and surgical procedures

The surgical procedure belongs to the field of plastic and aesthetic surgery. The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes. Your doctor will treat you under local anesthesia. A general anesthetic is not usually necessary. It is advisable that you are not menstruating on the day of the operation. Please come to your appointment with your genital area shaved in preparation for the operation.

Your doctor will suture the remaining torn tissue during the reconstruction of the hymen. In some cases, the amount of tissue available is not sufficient. In this case, the surgeon will remove tissue from the area of the posterior vaginal wall. This enables the modeling of an intact hymen (hymenoplasty).

The chances of success of the procedure are very good. After the procedure, the difference to the original hymen is no longer visible, even to doctors. As the stitches are self-dissolving, it is not necessary to remove them at a later date.

Aftercare and prognosis

Complete healing after the treatment takes around six weeks. If you are planning the procedure in connection with an upcoming wedding, it is advisable to schedule the operation around six to eight weeks in advance. The discomfort associated with the operation is mild to moderate. Conventional painkillers are sufficient. It rarely takes longer than a week before you are completely free of symptoms. In individual cases, a period of a few weeks is possible. Some patients also experience minor bleeding in the first few days after the procedure.

Avoid using tampons, exercising and sexual intercourse for four weeks after the operation. To ensure hygienic wound care, it is sufficient to clean the vagina with lukewarm water. Chemical additives and soaps should be avoided in the first few weeks. Your doctor will prescribe an antibacterial ointment and an antibiotic to rule out infections.

Possible surgical risks and complications

The risks of the procedure are extremely low. Major complications are also not to be expected. Temporary sensory disturbances are rare and subside within a few days. As with any surgical procedure, minor post-operative bleeding is possible in a few cases, but this is only of short duration. If there is too much activity and movement, the suture may tear. In this case, re-stitching is possible. Careful intimate hygiene and the use of medication support the problem-free healing process.

Conclusion

Intimate surgery offers you the opportunity to restore the hymen in a simple outpatient procedure if necessary. The operation is not necessary for medical reasons, as the hymen no longer has any function for adult women. However, for cultural reasons, it is sometimes helpful to have a reconstruction performed. Your doctor will be happy to help you with this.