Repairing of Ruptured Hymen

Hymenorrhaphy or hymen reconstruction surgery is the surgical restoration of the hymen. The term comes from the Greek words hymen meaning membrane, and raphe meaning suture. It is also known as hymenoplasty, although strictly this term would also include hymenotomy.

Such procedures are not generally regarded as part of mainstream gynecology, but are available from some plastic surgery centres, particularly in the USA, Japan and Western Europe, generally as day surgery. The normal aim is to cause bleeding during the wedding night, which in some cultures is a required proof of virginity. Such operations tend to attract the most business in highly conservative nations such as Iran. (wikipedia)

Hymenoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair and reconstruct the thin, ring-like skin membrane partially covering the opening of the vagina, known as the “hymen.” It is made of elastic and fibrous tissue. Bleeding occurs when the hymen tears, which is typically the result of a woman’s first experience with intercourse, so this type of surgery will pull the tissue back together to restore a “virgin-like” quality. On rare instances, a female can unknowingly tear her hymen by inserting a tampon, or during sports like bicycling, horseback riding, or even gymnastics. While the biological function of the hymen is still uncertain, its social function is popularly regarded as a mythical symbol in many cultures. Therefore, qualified plastic surgeons perform hymenoplasty at the request of women who need the surgery for ethnic, cultural, or religious reasons. Patients with the desire for higher sexual satisfaction may also be candidates for this procedure, because the vaginal walls are tightened.

Hymenoplasty generally takes about one to two hours, with patients able to return to work the next day. Restoration of the hymen is done on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia or sedation. Prior to surgery, patients are required to have a pre-surgical consultation and thorough gynecological examination. During this time, she should communicate her needs and expectations to the doctor, and in turn, will learn of the possible risks and benefits to hymenoplasty.