Hymenoplasty and hymenotomy – what is it? Hymen piercing and hymen reconstruction are increasingly common questions in the gynecologist’s office. Both procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting during a single visit. In this article, we will describe both medical procedures.
1. Surgical puncture of the hymen – hymenotomy.
What is surgical hymenotomy?
Surgical incision or removal of the hymen, or hymenotomy, is a procedure performed on women whose hymen is abnormally formed and impedes or prevents the flow of menstrual blood, sexual intercourse, or gynecological examinations. Hymenotomy is performed for the following purposes:
Diagnostic – in cases where a closed membrane prevents the necessary gynecological examinations from being performed.
Medical – if the hymen is too thick, inflexible or completely closed, leading to health problems.
Improving the quality of life – when the hymen makes sexual intercourse difficult and its spontaneous rupture is associated with severe pain.
Who undergoes hymenotomy – piercing of the hymen?
- Women with hymen atresia (hymen imperforatus) – when the hymen completely blocks the entrance to the vagina, causing retention of menstrual blood (hematocolpos), leading to pain and infection.
- Women with a microperforated or hypertrophic hymen – the hymen is so thick or small that it causes discomfort and pain when first attempting intercourse.
- Women with gynaecological disorders – for example, in cases where the hymen obstructs access to the interior of the vagina during medical tests or diagnostic procedures.
How is the procedure – hymenotomy – done?
- The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
- It is performed under local anesthesia.
- The doctor makes a small incision or completely removes the hymen.
- After the procedure, it is recommended to rest for a few days and avoid sexual intercourse for a certain period of time.
What can be the consequences of the procedure – hymenotomy?
Positive effects of hymenotomy:
- Allowing menstrual blood to flow away.
- Elimination of pain and discomfort during intercourse.
- Improving the quality of sexual and health life.
Possible side effects of hymenotomy:
- Short-term pain and discomfort after treatment.
- Bleeding and irritation possible.
- Minimal risk of infection if postoperative hygiene rules are not followed.
What are the costs of such a procedure – hymenotomy?
Surgical hymenotomy costs around PLN 2,000 (around 500 euros). The procedure is performed at Kierach Medical Clinic by Dr. Rafał Kierach, PhD. Need advice? Book an appointment by phone +48 579645819 or online.
2. Reconstruction of the hymen.
The second popular procedure is hymen reconstruction. or hymenoplasty. This is a surgical procedure to reconstruct the hymen. This procedure is most often performed for cultural, social, or psychological reasons. The procedure is usually performed in private plastic surgery or aesthetic gynecology clinics, because it is rarely available in public health facilities.
Why is hymenoplasty – reconstruction of the hymen – performed?
- Cultural and religious reasons – in many societies, virginity is given great importance before marriage and an intact hymen is seen as proof of it.
- Psychological factors – some women want to symbolically “regain” their virginity, e.g. after traumatic experiences (rape, molestation).
- The desire to experience “the first time” again – some women decide to undergo the procedure for their own satisfaction.
- Reconstructive surgery following injuries – e.g. after childbirth or accidents.
How is the procedure performed?
- Duration: Approx. 60 minutes.
- Type of anesthesia: Local.
- Methods:
- Suturing of the remnants of the hymen – if fragments of the hymen are preserved.
- Creating a new membrane from vaginal tissue – a more durable method.
After the procedure, the woman’s hymen is reconstructed, and after a few weeks (during intercourse) bleeding similar to natural bleeding may occur.
What are the consequences of hymenoplasty?
Positive effects:
- Possibility of “restoring” virginity for those who want it.
- Improved well-being and self-confidence if the procedure is performed for psychological reasons.
- No visible scars as the vagina heals naturally.
Potential risks and side effects:
- Pain and discomfort – in the first days after the procedure.
- Infections – if intimate hygiene is not observed after the procedure.
What is the price of the treatment?
The surgical procedure of hymen reconstruction costs around PLN 4,000 (around 1.000 euros) and is performed during 1 visit after a prior gynecological consultation. The procedure is performed at Kierach Medical Clinic by Dr. Rafał Kierach, PhD. Do you need advice? Book an appointment by phone +48 579645819 or online.
All available treatments available at KMC can be found on our website www.centrumkierach.pl. Find us on IG and TikTok.
3. What do you need to know about the hymen?
The hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane located at the entrance to the vagina. It is a flexible structure that partially or completely covers the vaginal opening in girls and young women. It is not a barrier that completely closes the vagina – it usually has natural openings that allow menstrual blood to drain away.
The biological function of the hymen is not entirely clear. There are various theories:
- It can provide a protective barrier for the young vagina against infections and bacteria during infancy and childhood.
- It is an embryological remnant, i.e. a structure that develops during fetal life but has no significant importance in adulthood.
- It has no significant physiological function and is simply an anatomical feature.
Not all hymens look the same. They can have different shapes and elasticity in different women:
- Crescent-shaped (most common) – has a crescent shape with a hole in the center.
- Annular – surrounds the vaginal opening in a circular shape.
- Septal – has one or more partitions that may make intercourse difficult.
- Microperforated – has very small holes, which may cause problems with menstrual blood flow.
- Completely closed (hymen imperforatus) – no openings, which prevents the outflow of menstrual blood and requires surgical intervention.
- Flexible – stretches during intercourse without tearing, so a woman may not experience bleeding the “first time”.
Is the hymen proof of virginity?
No. Virginity is a social concept and means the absence of sexual intercourse, not the presence of a hymen.
- In some women, the hymen is flexible and may not rupture during first intercourse.
- It can be naturally damaged during physical activity, such as cycling, horse riding, or using tampons.
- In some girls, the hymen may be so thin that it disappears on its own before first intercourse.
The myth of the hymen as “proof of virginity” is widespread in many cultures, but has no medical basis.
The hymen may or may not make a gynecological examination difficult. It all depends on its structure, elasticity and the individual anatomy of the patient. In most women, the hymen is elastic or has natural openings, which allows the doctor to perform a basic gynecological examination without major difficulties. In the case of external examination (examination of the labia, vaginal area, perineum), the hymen has no effect. Transabdominal ultrasound (application of the probe to the abdomen) is an alternative to a transvaginal examination in virgins.
When can the hymen make examination difficult? If it is very thick or completely closed (hymen imperforatus) – then the entrance to the vagina is blocked, which prevents the insertion of a speculum or a transvaginal ultrasound probe. When the patient experiences pain or discomfort – in some women the hymen may not be very elastic, which is why even a gentle examination can cause unpleasant sensations. When using a gynecological speculum – the doctor may use a smaller pediatric speculum or completely dispense with this tool if the hymen is too tight.
What tests can be performed without violating the hymen?
Transabdominal ultrasound – the most common diagnostic method for virgins. Transrectal ultrasound – a probe inserted through the anus, used in exceptional cases. Transrectal palpation – a gynecologist can assess the condition of the reproductive organs through the anal wall. Cytology and vaginal smear – if the hymen allows it, samples can be taken with a very thin instrument.
What to do if the hymen prevents examination?
- If the hymen is too tight and examination is necessary, your doctor may suggest a hymenotomy (incision of the hymen).
- In situations where examination is not possible, the gynecologist may use other diagnostic methods, such as transabdominal ultrasound.
- It is always worth telling your doctor about your concerns – a professional gynecologist will adapt the examination methods to the patient.
You can find more articles on gynecology on our blog.
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