Dr. Adi Vishnu

Are you aware of the procedure called hymenorrhaphy and the benefits that are associated with it? It is a surgical procedure that aims at repairing the hymen by stitching it back. It is referred to as hymen reconstruction, but is not a part of conventional gynecological care. It is considered to be more of a form of plastic surgery. Women undergoing this procedure do it so that the hymen bleeds after it is broken during sexual intercourse.

Procedure

1. Hymenorrhaphy is a non invasive procedure which is performed under local anesthesia, along with sedation.
2. Sometimes, general anesthesia may also be required depending on the patient’s condition.
3. The surgery starts with the excision of the torn hymen edges.
4. Commonly, a hymen reconstruction is performed following three ways.
5. Sewing of the torn skin, which makes up the hymen’s secondary layer, making the hymen look intact.
6. The placement of an artificial membrane without any blood supply that acts as an artificial hymen. A gelatin capsule containing a substance resembling blood is placed here.
7. The placement of a flap taken from the vaginal lining for creating a hymen that is fully functional, along with blood supply. This acts as a restored hymen.
8. Patients undergoing the second form of hymenorrhaphy should avoid having sexual intercourse for three months after the procedure.
9. Dissolvable sutures are used during the procedure so that the patient does not have to visit a clinic to get them removed.

Results and benefits
The hymen, referred to as the virgin’s veil, breaks during sexual intercourse. It can also break or lacerate because of other factors like physical exercise, sports injuries, diseases, tampon use, or masturbation.

1. The most common benefits or the reasons why women undergo a hymenorrhaphy are as follows:
2. For serving as a sign of virginity before an intended marriage, which is needed in several cultures.
3. For help with healing in women who have suffered sexual assault of some form. The procedure provides emotional and psychological relief to the affected woman.
4. For repairing a hymen that is torn because of some kind of injury.
5. Women considering undergoing a hymenorrhaphy for restoring their virginity should keep in mind the recovery period that follows the procedure. It is advised to women to undergo the procedure within a period of three months before getting married.

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