Introduction

Hymenoplasty is an intimate reconstructive surgery that allows women to recover one intact hymen. For most of us today, the hymen may seem insignificant, however, there are several cases in which it plays an important role; especially in a socio-cultural and religious context where the woman must arrive at marriage as a virgin.

What is the hymen?

The hymen is a membrane found at the entrance to the vaginal canal and partially closes it, thus separating the cavity from the vulva. It can be seen in virgin women by opening the labia minora.

In our societies, the hymen is associated with the virginity of women, because it breaks during the first sexual intercourse. However, the hymen can tear in other circumstances that have nothing to do with sexual intercourse. It can break during strenuous sports activities; such as gymnastics, swimming, or horse riding; or also after an intense blow, or simply by using tampons during menstruation. It is also worth mentioning that 1 in 1,000 women are born without a hymen.

What is hymenoplasty?

Hymenoplasty is surgery reconstruction hymen consisting restore an intact hymen without a visible trace of surgery. This procedure grants second virginity from an anatomical point of view.

During the first intercourse after surgery, the hymen naturally tears as would an intact one. The couple will not be able to know whether or not the woman has undergone a hymen reconstruction, because the sensation will be the same as that of first sexual intercourse.

Why do a hymenoplasty?

As explained, in some cultures, families, or religions; especially among Muslims and the gypsy community; there is strong pressure on women to get married as a virgin. The pressure can be so strong that some are forced to go to a plastic surgeon to save their honor and physical integrity.

There are also other occasions when a woman decides to undergo a hymenoplasty, such as in the case of rape; where the emotional shock is so violent that a hymen reconstruction may be needed to turn the page and try to “repair” the damage caused physically.

On some less common occasions, some women choose to offer their virginity in a symbolic way to their new partner, which is why they have a hymenoplasty.

Who undergoes a hymenoplasty?

Women who undergo hymenoplasty are people who urgently need this intervention to be able to start from scratch, either because of a psychological issue or because they are getting married soon.

Most of them come from a social environment where there is a strong family and religious pressure.

Psychological help

Hymenoplasty is a reconstructive surgery that does not affect the appearance of the vulva or provide any improvement during sex. In addition, it is an intervention with a Score metal, because the hymen is again ripped as soon as they happen the first penetration.

Therefore, it is a delicate intervention that often requires psychological support. There is no doubt that a rape victim will need the support of a psychologist to deal with the trauma and heal. However, a future bride on whom the weight of tradition falls and who faces surgery alone has to keep this difficult process a secret, so it is advisable to go to a psychologist to accompany her.

How to choose my surgeon?

You must go to an experienced and qualified surgeon to carry out your hymenoplasty. We first advise you to verify that it is registered with the SEC (Spanish Society of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery). You can also go to a specialized gynecologist, so we recommend that you verify that they are part of the SEGERF (Spanish Society of Functional Regenerative Aesthetic Gynecology).

Then, we invite you to read information online about the surgeon of your choice, browse the forums and look for opinions and testimonials.

Consult several surgeons if necessary and choose a professional who will make you feel confident and who will reassure you.

What happens during the first consultation?

During your first consultation, the surgeon will need to know your medical history to rule out a possible contraindication. He will examine you before explaining what the procedure is, how to prepare, and how to carry the postoperative.

Take advantage of this contact to ask all your questions, you can prepare a list at home to make sure you do not forget any details. Do not hesitate to ask him specific questions about the result of the intervention and the details of your first post-surgery sexual intercourse.

Preparation for the intervention

We leave you a list of tips to prepare for your intervention:

Stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after surgery to facilitate healing
Stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin at least 15 days before
If you take oral contraceptives for acne, you have to stop taking them 1 month before
You will have to consult the anesthetist at least 48 hours before
The night before and the morning of surgery, shower with an antiseptic

Anesthesia and hospitalization

Hymenoplasty is normally performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation since it is a very easy procedure to carry out.

You will be able to go home the same day after surgery.

What are the different techniques?

The intervention is very simple from a technical point of view, in fact, it only lasts about 30 minutes. There are two main techniques to perform a hymenoplasty and sew the remains of the torn hymen, as tells us.

If the hymen remains are large enough, the surgeon unifies and sews them together to reconstruct them.
If the remains are too small, the surgeon will use flaps of the vaginal mucosa to reconstruct it, thus avoiding a possible risk of tearing the hymen before penetration, due to the continuous tension exerted.

Postoperative

La explains that postoperative a Hymenoplasty is very simple and painless. You will return home the same day of the intervention and it is recommended to rest for 1 or 2 days to avoid sudden movements.

You will have to carry out specific intimate hygiene, with water and a special intimate soap, in the morning and at night, and after going to the bathroom.
The stitches are absorbable and fall off on their own after about 10 to 15 days.
We recommend waiting 6 weeks to resume a progressive sports activity.
We also advise you to avoid sports that can facilitate the rupture of the hymen, such as gymnastics, horseback riding, swimming, or cycling, among others.
We recommend not using tampons during menstruation until your first intimate relationship.
You will be able to have your first sexual relationship after 6 weeks.

Possible complications

The complications associated with Hymenoplasty are very mild and few common, as we said Dr. Carmona, we have the following:

infection
poor healing
hematoma
pain
hemorrhage

What happens during the first intercourse after a hymenoplasty?

Your partner can’t know that you have had a hymenoplasty during the first sexual act. There is no scar, and the hymen is quite natural.

It is possible but not required that you bleed during the first intercourse, as with a true first sexual intercourse. The act of bleeding depends on each person, on the membrane, on the quality of the skin, and also on the sexual act itself. Although bleeding is not required and cannot be guaranteed, your partner will feel some resistance in penetration.

Frequently asked questions

It is painful? Hymenoplasty is not a painful procedure; however, your doctor may prescribe some pain relievers to avoid discomfort.
After how long can I have sex? It is advisable to wait 4 to 6 weeks before having your first sexual intercourse so that the hymen is completely healed.
I’m afraid that someone will find out, what do I do? The surgeon is governed by medical secrecy, therefore he does not have the right to disclose information about his patients, either to the family or to the future husband. Some surgeons have two waiting rooms to offer more comfort and discretion to their patients, check with the secretary if this issue concerns you.
Is there a scar? The scar is invisible, and in no case will your partner be able to differentiate a virgin hymen from a reconstructed hymen.
When is the best time to perform hymenoplasty? We recommend that you perform your intervention during the first days after the end of the period so that your body has more time to heal before you menstruate.
How do you know if the hymenoplasty worked? Your surgeon will do a postoperative check-up to make sure the healing process is going well.
Will I bleed? As during first sexual intercourse, bleeding is not mandatory and cannot be guaranteed after hymenoplasty. The hymen itself is not a part of the body that is highly vascular. However, even if there is no bleeding, your partner will feel a certain resistance upon penetration, just like a true first time. Some surgeons perform over hymen corrections, to ensure bleeding during the first intercourse.