Hymenoplasty, usually referred to as hymen repair surgery; its main purpose is to rebuild or restoring the hymen, which is a thin and delicate membrane that is situated at the vaginal opening. The hymen ruptures after sexual intercourse or vigorous activities like gymnastics, insertion of tampons, or pap smears.
Several women undergo this surgery to re-establish the integrity of a torn hymen, whether some choose due to meeting cultural expectations, personal reasons, or emotional healing.
If you want to know what hymenoplasty surgery is, its potential side effects, the pain factor, and post-operative care, this blog can be a thoughtful read.
What is Hymenoplasty Surgery?
Also known as hymen restoration surgery, hymenoplasty is a minor surgical procedure that reconstructs a torn or damaged hymen. If you are wondering what hymen is, it is a thin membrane which is located at the point where the vagina starts. This membrane can break due to various reasons such as physical activity, use of tampon, or intercourse.
With hymenoplasty, you can expect the hymen to be closely resembling its original state. Usually, this procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and is performed using anaesthesia.
Process of Hymenoplasty
A gynaecologist or a plastic surgeon usually performs hymenoplasty. Additionally, the process can take up to an hour of your time. This is how it’s done:
- In the first step, the doctor tries to understand your medical history and performs a physical examination. Following this, they may go with some blood tests to ensure the surgery is safe for you.
- A local anaesthetic is given to numb the area. It ensures you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
- The surgeon stitches the remnants of the hymen together. It is done using dissolvable sutures. If no tissue is present, a synthetic membrane may be used, or a new hymen may be built using vaginal tissue.
- After giving an antibiotic dose for 5 days, you are usually allowed to go home the same day.
Hymenoplasty Surgery Side Effects
Generally, this surgery is considered safe, however, it does come with certain potential side effects. You should know the following things before getting it done:
- Mild pain or discomfort in the vaginal area post-surgery
- Swelling and bruising, which usually subside in a few days
- Infection, if proper hygiene is not maintained
- Bleeding or spotting for a day or two after surgery
- Tightness or itchiness in the area as it heals
- Rarely, allergic reactions to anaesthesia or sutures
Apart from this, you may experience anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. If any symptom persists for more than a week or anything seems unusual, consult your surgeon immediately.
Does it Pain During Hymenoplasty Surgery?
This is a common concern. The answer is: not during the procedure, due to the use of local anaesthesia. Most women report experiencing only mild discomfort or soreness afterwards, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers.
The recovery pain can mimic period cramps or a mild pinching sensation. However, the experiences can differ for every woman.
After Hymenoplasty Surgery Care: Do’s and Don’ts
Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure smooth healing and avoid complications. Here’s how you can take care of yourself after the surgery:
Do’s:
- Follow the doctor’s medication and hygiene guidelines strictly
- Wear loose, breathable underwear to prevent friction
- Keep the vaginal area clean and dry
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Eat a nutritious, healing-friendly diet
Don’ts:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or cycling for 3-4 weeks
- Refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 6 weeks
- Do not use tampons or insert anything into the vagina
- Avoid hot baths or swimming pools until advised by your doctor
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Hymen Surgery?
The healing process is usually quick and smooth if proper care is taken.
Most women can return to their normal routine within 3 to 5 days. However, complete healing, including internal tissue regeneration, can take up to 8 weeks.
During this time, it is important to be gentle with your body and listen to what it signals.
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Summing Up
There are many instances in life, when hymen breaks or gets damaged. It can include physical activities, tampon use, or intercourse. In such cases, many women prefer undergoing hymenoplasty for its repair or reconstruction. This choice is completely personal. While the procedure is safe, it comes with its own set of risks, such as depression, infection, swelling, or post-traumatic stress disorder. To combat these issues, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and schedule regular follow-ups. You will observe hymenoplasty surgery before and after.
While the physical aspects of the procedure are straightforward, it’s equally important to consider the emotional and psychological aspects too. If you’re considering hymenoplasty, make sure to consult a certified gynaecologist or cosmetic surgeon to make the right decision.
