Hymenoplasty
Hyménoplastie
Why?
The hymen consists of a fold in the mucous membrane, which is formed during the development of the embryo and in the middle of which there is an opening. The hymen can, in certain cases, not exist – otherwise, it is usually broken at the time of the first sexual intercourse, during which the opening is increased by tearing the mucous membrane.
Restoration of the hymen, also called hymenoplasty, hymenorrhaphy or plasty of the hymen, enables the hymen to be rebuilt when it has been broken or does not exist.
The Intervention
Whenever possible, the surgeon assembles the remainders of the hymen and recloses it. If that is impossible, the surgeon inserts an artificial membrane instead of the hymen. In both cases, the intervention takes approximately an hour and is performed under local anaesthesia.
Results and Post-Operative Treatment
The result is immediate: the hymen is reclosed. It is completely solid after approximately a month. The stitches are spontaneously absorbed after about a fortnight. Perfect hygiene, in particular a rinsing with soap and water after each micturition, is required during the fortnight after the intervention.