Hymenoplasty is a simple procedure that will repair a torn hymen or build a hymen where one does not exist. The hymen is a thin membrane of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening. The hymen can easily break in a variety of non-sexual situations, such as during routine pap smear procedures, horseback riding, gymnastics, or other strenuous activities. Hymenoplasty allows women to restore their hymen for personal, religious, or cultural reasons.

Some of the reasons a patient may decide to undergo a hymenoplasty include:

• Cultural or religious reasons

In cultures where an intact hymen is synonymous with chastity, a hymenoplasty is a method of proving and restoring a torn hymen and the perception of virginity and purity.

• Psychological healing

If a woman has suffered psychological harm, such as sexual abuse or rape, some women choose to have hymen surgery to heal both mentally and physically.

• Injury to the hymen

When the hymen is torn prior to intercourse by activities such as tampon use or vigorous activity, a hymenoplasty provides a surgical solution.

• Revirgination

Women who want to have their hymen surgically reconstructed for their partner or prior to marriage for religious, cultural, or personal reasons may opt for a hymenoplasty.

Patients who are in good physical health and have realistic expectations are good candidates for a hymenoplasty. Naturally, the decision to have a hymenoplasty is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, or personal convictions.

Hymenoplasty can be done under either local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will inject freezing to numb the area before suturing the hymen and stitching it back together with fine, dissolvable sutures. As the hymen tissue heals, it will grow together, and the hymen will appear intact with no visible scarring. Normally, subsequent sexual intercourse will tear the membrane.

A hymenoplasty procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes to complete.

Patients can return to work 1 to 2 days after surgery, but the entire recovery process takes 4 to 6 weeks. Patients must refrain from using tampons, wearing thong underwear, or swimming after the procedure. Patients must also refrain from sexual activity for at least 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure.

Hymenoplasty is not a permanent procedure. The hymen will remain intact until it is broken again, which will happen naturally when you engage in intercourse for the first time after your procedure. If you do not engage in sexual activity after your procedure, your hymen should remain intact until you do so. Although it is uncommon, your hymen may rupture due to strenuous activity, early vaginal insertion, or other unforeseeable causes.

As with any procedure, a hymenoplasty carries some risks and side effects such as:

• Infection

• Bruising

• Anesthesia

• Scarring

• Painful intercourse

• Bleeding

The price of a hymenoplasty will vary from patient to patient depending on complexity of the procedure. The cost of a hymenoplasty procedure in Canada is between $1,500 to $5,000.

83% of people who have undergone a hymenoplasty have rated the procedure “Worth It.”

• Source – Realself.com