Hymenoplasty

The hymen is a 1.5-2 mm thick skin fold localised 2-3 cm inside the labia minora, separating the entrance of the vagina from the external genitalia. The structure of the hymen can take many different forms. It rarely completely closes the exit of the vagina and prevents menstrual bleeding from flowing out. Sometimes it can be structured in a way that makes sexual intercourse difficult.

The operation to transform the damaged hymen back to its original state is called ‘Hymenoplasty’. Thus, it is aimed to mimic the bleeding that occurs during the first sexual intercourse. There are two types of repair: Temporary and Permanent Hymenoplasty. Temporary hymenoplasty is a repair performed within one week before the date of marriage. Permanent hymenoplasty is a long-term repair that is performed independently of the marriage date. In other words, bleeding will be provided no matter when the first intercourse occurs after the surgery. However, it is recommended that people who have undergone permanent hymenoplasty be re-examined one to two weeks before the marriage date.

Hymenoplasty can be performed in combination with vaginal tightening (vaginoplasty) and/or labia minora reduction (labiaplasty). This surgery does not have a functional aspect and is mostly performed for sociological reasons.

What is hymenoplasty? 

The operation to restore the damaged hymen back to its original state is called ‘hymenoplasty’ (hymen repair).

What are the benefits of hymenoplasty?

After hymenoplasty, it is aimed to have bleeding mimicing the bleeding that occurs during the first sexual intercourse. Hymenoplasty is not an aesthetic and functional surgery, hymenoplasty it is mostly applied for sociological reasons.

Am I a suitable candidate for hymenoplasty? 

People with psychiatric illnesses and genital infections are not suitable for this operation.

What are the risks of hymenoplasty? 

There are risks such as bleeding, infection, oedema, early opening of the stitches. These risks are rarely seen with an operation performed by an experienced gynaecologist with the appropriate surgical technique and with careful care afterwards.

What should I do before hymenoplasty?  

Before hymenoplasty, the external genital hair should be removed.

Step by step operation process:

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is applied.

Surgical procedure: In temporary hymenoplasty, the hymen is repaired in such a way that bleeding occurs with the first intercourse. In permanent hymenoplasty, the operation is performed with a special technique in such a way that the entrance to the vagina is also narrowed to some extent. 

What should I expect after hymenoplasty?

There is usually no pain after hymenoplasty. There may be slight bleeding in the form of leakage for a few days. Complaints will decrease over time.

What should I pay attention to after hymenoplasty? 

Hygiene of the external genital area should be provided as recommended by your physician. Special solutions to be applied here should be applied regularly. Antibiotics are given orally. The first 3 days should be spent resting at home.  Activities such as carrying heavy objects that will cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and leg-opening movements should be avoided.

How much rest is required after hymenoplasty?

3 days of home rest is recommended after hymenoplasty.

When can I return to work after hymenoplasty?

You can start working one week after hymenoplasty.

How long after hymenoplasty can I do sports?

Only one month after permanent hymenoplasty, you can do sports such as heavy exercise, swimming, horse riding, cycling, yoga, pilates, running.

What are the results of hymenoplasty? 

It is aimed to have bleeding with the first intercourse after the operation.