Hymen Reconstruction - Information & Specialists

The hymen is a thin ring of tissue at the entrance to the vagina that partially covers the vaginal opening. 

For many women, the hymen tears during defloration, the first sexual intercourse, or, in rare cases, during intense physical activity.

Often, it does not tear completely until childbirth. The tearing is usually accompanied by minor, harmless bleeding.

Would you like to have your hymen reconstructed? If so, this can be done through a minor surgical procedure.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is part of genital surgery. It is called hymen reconstruction and is performed by a specialist in genital surgery.

Hymen reconstruction does not pose a medical challenge. The function of this thin membrane is not clearly defined. 

Medical professionals assume it serves a protective function against infections during childhood. The hymen prevents pathogens from entering the vagina. 

However, with the onset of puberty, hormonal changes occur, and lactic acid bacteria provide the necessary protection. The hymen is no longer effective as a protective factor.

Sometimes cultural reasons are behind a woman’s desire to undergo hymen reconstruction. In some cultures, it is customary for a woman to enter marriage as a virgin. 

To prove her virginity, men expect to see a bloodstain on the bedsheet on the wedding night. Young women do not want to offend their families and wish to uphold the tradition. For ethical reasons, many gynecologists agree to perform this procedure.

If your hymen is no longer intact, please consult your gynecologist in confidence. 

It is possible that your hymen may have already torn during puberty, even without sexual intercourse. Your doctor will explain that there are many factors that can cause damage to the hymen. 

Furthermore, it is possible that even when the hymen tears, there may be no bleeding in some cases.

The surgical procedure falls under the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. 

Your doctor will perform the procedure under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is usually not necessary. It is advisable that you not be menstruating on the day of the surgery. To prepare for the surgery, please shave your genital area before your appointment.

During the reconstruction, your doctor will suture the remaining torn tissue. In some cases, there is not enough tissue available. In such cases, the surgeon will remove tissue from the area of the posterior vaginal wall. This allows for the creation of an intact hymen (hymenoplasty).

The procedure has a very high success rate. Even medical professionals cannot distinguish the reconstructed hymen from the original one after the procedure. Since the sutures are self-dissolving, there is no need to have them removed at a later date.

Full recovery after the procedure takes about six weeks. 

If you are planning the procedure in conjunction with an upcoming wedding, it is best to schedule the surgery about six to eight weeks beforehand. Discomfort associated with the surgery is mild to moderate. 

Conventional pain medications are sufficient in this case. It rarely takes longer than a week for you to be completely symptom-free. In some cases, recovery may take a few weeks. Some patients also experience light bleeding in the first few days after the procedure.

For four weeks after the surgery, avoid using tampons, exercising, and having sexual intercourse. To keep the wound clean, simply wash the vagina with lukewarm water. 

Avoid chemical additives and soaps during the first few weeks. Your doctor will prescribe an antibacterial ointment and an antibiotic to prevent infection.

The risks of the procedure are extremely low. No major complications are 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 usually short-lived.

If you engage in too much activity or movement, the suture may tear. In that case, the incision can be re-sutured. Careful intimate hygiene and taking your medication as prescribed will support a smooth healing process.

Genital surgery offers you the option of restoring the hymen through a simple outpatient procedure, if necessary.

The surgery is not medically necessary, as the hymen no longer serves a function for adult women. However, for cultural reasons, it is sometimes helpful to have a reconstruction performed. Your doctor will be happy to assist you with this.