What is Hymen Repair and Surgery? Methods, Risks and Healing Process
Hymen repair and suture is a surgical procedure performed to re-stitch or repair the hymen (hymen) for aesthetic or social reasons. In medical terms, this procedure is known as hymenoplasty. The hymen is a thin tissue located at the entrance of the vagina and usually tears during sexual intercourse. Hymen repair provides an aesthetic reconstruction of this membrane and can have an important place according to different cultural and social norms of the society.
What is Hymen?
Hymen or medically known as hymen is a thin membrane located at the entrance of the vagina. It can be different in each woman and has no functional function. The hymen usually tears during sexual intercourse, but it can also be damaged due to reasons such as sports, falling, or using tampons. In some cultures, the integrity of the hymen is considered an indicator of virginity, and for this reason, some women prefer to have their hymen repaired or stitched.
What is Hymen Repair?
Hymen repair is a surgical procedure in which the membrane is reconstructed or stitched. This procedure is called hymenoplasty in the medical literature. Hymenoplasty is an operation for aesthetic purposes and restores the possibility of bleeding during sexual intercourse. Hymen repair can be performed for social and cultural reasons, as well as personal preferences.
Why is Hymen Repaired?
Hymen repair is usually an operation that individuals prefer for social, cultural or psychological reasons. In some societies, the hymen is considered a physical proof of virginity and can be repaired before marriage.
Main Reasons for Hymen Repair:
- Cultural Reasons: In some cultures, the integrity of the hymen before marriage is considered important. Therefore, repair can be done before marriage.
- Psychological Reasons: A person may choose this operation to leave their sexual past behind or to make a new start.
- Social Pressures: Women may choose to have hymen repair due to pressures felt by their family or social environment.
Hymen repair can be caused by many personal, social and cultural factors and making this decision depends entirely on the individual's personal preference.
Hymen Repair Methods
Hymen repair is usually done with two main methods: Permanent hymen repair and Temporary hymen repair. Both methods can be applied for different situations and needs.
1. Permanent Hymen Repair:
In this method, the hymen is permanently repaired. The surgeon recreates the structure of the membrane using existing tissues. Permanent hymenoplasty usually covers sexual intercourse that will take place a few months later and offers long-term results.
2. Temporary Hymen Repair:
Temporary hymen repair is a short-term procedure and is usually performed a few days before sexual intercourse. In this method, the hymen is temporarily repaired and may tear and bleed during the first sexual intercourse.
Both methods can be preferred depending on the person's condition and needs. While the permanent method offers a longer-term solution, the temporary method provides a short-term solution.
How is Hymen Repair Performed?
Hymen repair is a simple surgical procedure performed under local or general anesthesia. If hymen tissue is present, this tissue is combined and repaired; if it is not present, the surgeon reconstructs the hymen by creating a new membrane from vaginal tissue.
Steps of the Surgery:
- Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain.
- Tissue Repair: If the pieces of the hymen are present, they are joined together. If there is no existing tissue, a new hymen is created using tissue taken from the vaginal wall.
- Stitching: Dissolvable stitches are used to reconstruct the membrane, which will eventually disappear on their own.
- Completion: The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes, and the patient can go home the same day.
İBecause the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery time is quick and the patient can return to normal activities within a few days.
Benefits of Hymen Repair
Hymen repair can help many women overcome social and psychological pressures. The benefits of this operation are both aesthetically and psychologically valuable.
Main Benefits of Hymen Repair:
- Psychological Relaxation: The person can feel more comfortable by getting rid of social pressures.
- Aesthetic Renewal: Hymen repair provides aesthetic satisfaction.
- Relief of Social Pressures: People who are exposed to family or social pressure can feel more secure with this operation.
These benefits reveal the positive effects of the operation on the individual's quality of life.
Post-Operative Recovery Process
The recovery process after hymen repair is quite fast. After the procedure, the patient can usually return to normal life within 1-2 days. However, full recovery may take several weeks.
Things to Consider During the Recovery Process:
- Rest: The first few days should be limited to light activities and physical rest should be provided.
- Avoiding Sexual Intercourse: Sexual intercourse should be avoided until recovery is complete, usually between 4-6 weeks.
- Hygiene: The hygiene of the vaginal area should be taken care of. Keeping the wound area clean and dry reduces the risk of infection.
- Painkillers: Since there may be mild pain after surgery, painkillers prescribed by the doctor can be used.
After the healing process is complete, the person can return to their normal life and bleeding may occur during sexual intercourse.
Risks of Hymen Repair
As with any surgical operation, hymen repair may also have some risks. However, these risks are generally minimal and are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon.
Possible Risks:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection after the operation, but this risk is reduced when proper hygiene is maintained.
- Bleeding: Rarely, bleeding may occur during or after the procedure.
- Tissue Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity may occur in the vaginal area after surgery.
Although these risks are low, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations before and after surgery.
Permanent and Temporary Hymen Repair
There are some important differences between permanent and temporary hymen repair. These differences are determined by the purpose and when the procedure will be performed.
Differences Between Permanent and Temporary Methods:
- Permanent Hymen Repair: In this method, the hymen is permanently repaired and offers a long-term solution. It can be done months before sexual intercourse.
- Temporary Hymen Repair: Temporary repair is usually done just before sexual intercourse (1-2 weeks) and provides a temporary solution.
Which method is preferred depends on the person's needs and plans.
Sexual Intercourse After Hymenoplasty
When to have sexual intercourse after hymenoplasty surgery is directly related to the healing process. Having sexual intercourse too early can cause the membrane to rupture and damage the healing process.
Sexual Intercourse After Surgery:
- Permanent Repair: Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery. Bleeding may occur after complete healing.
- Temporary Repair: Sexual intercourse can be had within a few days after the surgery, and bleeding occurs when the hymen ruptures during intercourse.
The timing of sexual intercourse should be determined according to the doctor's advice.
Hymen Repair and Social Pressures
Hymen repair is often due to social pressures. In particular, the acceptance of virginity as a physical indicator in some cultures may increase the need for hymen repair. For this reason, many women may feel the need to have this operation due to social or family pressures.
Cultural and Social Influences:
- Social Expectations: In some societies, having an intact hymen may be considered a pre-marital requirement.
- Family Pressure: Women may be forced to undergo this operation in order to meet their families' expectations.
- Social Norms: Due to various social norms, pressure on women may increase, which may lead to hymen repair.
This operation can help women regain their self-confidence by relieving them of social pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does hymen repair take?
Hymen repair is usually a procedure that takes 30-60 minutes.
2. How long does the recovery period after surgery be?
The full recovery process takes about 4-6 weeks, but the patient can return to their normal life within a few days.
3. Is hymen repair painful?
The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. There may be some mild pain during the recovery process.
4. Is hymen repair safe?
Yes, hymen repair is generally a safe procedure. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the risk of complications is low.
5. Who can have hymen repair?
Hymen repair is suitable for all women who have lost their hymen and want to reconstruct it for aesthetic or social reasons.
6. What is the permanence of hymen repair?
Permanent repair offers long-term results and maintains its effect until the first sexual intercourse. Temporary repair is a short-term solution.
