- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Hymenoplasty
This involves restoring to normal a torn hymen for cultural, religious or social reasons.
What is my hymen and where is it?
Your hymen is a thin piece of skin (membrane) that is stretched across the lower part of your vagina. The upper part of your vagina is open to allow the passing of urine and blood during your period (menstruation).
What causes my hymen to tear?
In certain cultures a woman is expected to be a virgin on the day she gets married. Therefore there is expectation that the hymen should still be intact. The only real problem with your hymen is likely to be when it becomes torn. This may happen when taking part in energetic sporting activities like gymnastics, horse-riding, cycling, when using tampons or upon a heavy fall. Tearing this fragile membrane can result in bleeding.
Can my hymen be restored to normal?
Yes, it can, but not really restored – simply re-created. Please note that surgeons tend to be very reluctant to perform this medical practice on women who have already given birth.
What does the surgery involve?
The hymen has a superior layer that can be removed and stitched to patch up the torn part of the hymen. It looks like a small ‘ring’ and will graft or fuse back together to look like the original hymen. The small hole will be small enough to, on your wedding night, tear and bleed as it may have done in the first place.
Sometimes the lining of the vaginal lip may be used to create a new hymen. This piece of skin contains a network of veins making the hymen realistic enough to be able to bleed upon penetration.
A local or light general anaesthetic will be administered to you beforehand.
Will there be complications?
Complications are reduced in this simple procedure; however, there is always the possibility of loss of feeling in the area and of infection.
How long does the surgery take?
This is a minor medical procedure that usually takes only an hour or two at the most. You would be able to return to work the following day.
What will happen in the recovery period?
You will remain with us for one day. The swollen area will settle down and the discomfort or pain will decrease. You may be advised to not have sexual intercourse for 3 to 6 months, until the area has completely recovered.
What is the recovery time?
It can take approximately two weeks or more. You may find any attempts at sexual intercourse very painful. It would perhaps be wise to not attempt it until healing is complete.
What can I expect from the surgery?
You can expect a completely restored hymen. You can expect your honour and/or your reputation to be restored and for your new husband to be satisfied that you were a virgin on your wedding night.
Talk to us today
We are confident that our website presents a wide-ranging overview of the range of gynaecological procedures available to you, but if you require any further information or would like to arrange your consultation, contact us at any time by e-mail, or by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.