Hymenoplasty or medical hymen repair or surgical restoration of the hymen is a surgical procedure that reconstructs the hymen which is a thin fold of mucous membrane. This article delves into why one might choose to go through with hymenoplasty, the process of the surgery, and precautions to be taken when planning to have the surgery.
Understanding Hymenoplasty
Hymenoplasty is a simple surgical operation that focuses on restoration or construction of the hymen. The hymen can be torn during such activities as sexual intercourse, sports, use of tampons or even from an accident. Hymen is reconstructed to the state prior to rupture through hymenoplasty and it may be done due to cultural, personal, or psychological reasons.
Common Reasons for Hymenoplasty
Cultural and Social Reasons
In many cultures, a hymen is considered to be a proof of virginity and purity of a woman. In some societies, women may need to prove that they are virgins or have their hymens restored, to be socially accepted, get married, or to protect their families’ reputation. Hymenoplasty may be done to meet certain standards set within a certain culture or by society.
Personal and Psychological Reasons
There are women who opt for hymenoplasty for one reason or the other; this may be to give them the symbolic feeling of being a virgin again. This can be therapeutic or at least give a person a sense of closure, especially if a person has been sexually assaulted. The procedure may enable people to gain mastery over their bodies and hence, promote emotional healing.
Pre-Marital Requests
In some societies, females may consider hymen restoration surgery as a way of satisfying their partner’s expectation of virginity. This practice is based on the presumption of hymen’s integrity on the wedding night as the only indicator of a woman’s virginity. Hymenoplasty can help the women to be free from anxiety and society pressures and enable them to walk into marriage without the fear of being judged.
The Hymenoplasty Procedure
Hymenoplasty can be done as a day case procedure using local anesthesia. The procedure normally takes half an hour to one hour. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:
Consultation: It is recommended to consult a gynecologist or a plastic surgeon for an elaborate discussion. The following are the areas the doctor will address the patient; the patient’s medical history, the surgery needs, and the expected results after the surgery.
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Preparation: During the surgery the patient will be taken through the process and then local anesthesia will be given on the vagina.
Surgery: A surgeon will then use dissolvable stitches to sew up the hymen. Sometimes, a piece of vaginal lining is used to make a new hymen.
Recovery: Most of the patients are able to go home after the procedure, within the same day. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling and spotting for a few days after the surgery. For complete healing, it may take about six weeks.
To get a hymenoplasty in Pakistan visit your gynecologist.
Things to Consider Before Getting Hymenoplasty
Health Risks and Complications
Like any other surgical treatment, hymenoplasty has various complications that may occur during or after the surgery such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. These risks should be disclosed to the surgeon and the procedure should only be done by an expert and trained specialist.
Ethical and Psychological Implications
Having decided to undergo the surgery, the patient should consider the ethical and psychological consequences of such a decision. It is necessary to think about the reasons that led to the decision to have a surgery and to turn to a therapist if necessary. The procedure should be voluntary and not in any way forced on an individual by anyone.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
The issues of legal and even medical admissibility of hymenoplasty are different in different countries and even regions. Cautions or guidelines are set in some places that may limit the surgeon from performing the surgery. One should always make sure that the procedure is done in line with the law in the country and the facility involved is recognized.
Conclusion
Hymenoplasty is a private and sometimes culturally related procedure that can address women’s social, psychological, or personal requirements. To help with the decision for the hymenoplasty procedure, it is vital to know the reasons for the surgery, the process of the surgery and the factors that need to be considered. It is advisable to seek the advice of a medical expert and ponder over the reasons that led to the decision of seeking the surgery in order to avoid undesirable consequences. For getting a hymenoplasty in Karachi a qualified gynecologist can help you out.
