Hymenoplasty in Baltimore, MD

Vaginal reconstruction or hymenoplasty is the repair of damaged or weakened vaginal tissue. This procedure repairs, or enhances bladder, bowel, and sexual function. This operation also normalizes the appearance of external genitalia. Schedule an appointment with Women’s Health and Cosmetic Services of Maryland. Our Glen Burnie office practice offers flexible scheduling, even for new patients. We serve the residents of Baltimore, Annapolis and the surrounding Maryland communities.

What is Hymen?

Hymen repair (hymenoplasty) is the cosmetic repair, restoration, or construction of a woman’s hymen, and is often requested by women for physical, psychological, or cultural reasons. Restoration of the hymen is also known as hymenoplasty or revirginization.

The hymen consists of human tissue which resembles an oval rubber washer that partially or completely covers the vaginal opening. This ring-shaped membrane can be thin and flexible or thick and rigid. It begins to form while the female is still in the womb, usually beginning in about the fourth month of pregnancy.

Contrary to what many believe, except in rare cases, the hymen is not an impenetrable seal. If this were the case, there would be no portal for menstrual flow or healthy, normal vaginal discharge to leave the body. Also, the first rupture of the hymen, regardless of the method, doesn’t always draw blood, and is not always painful.

Throughout history, the hymen has served as undeniable, positive proof of a woman’s purity and innocence. Even to this day, in many cultures, an intact hymen still indicates virginity, especially if there is the presence of blood upon first penile penetration.

Clinically speaking, however, a torn or damaged hymen is not irrefutable confirmation of virginity loss by sexual activity. Depending on its rigidity, perforation of the hymen can be caused by normal everyday activities such as strenuous athletics, horseback or bicycle riding, a simple gynecological examination with speculum or gloved finger insertion, or masturbation. Even placing a tampon into the vagina may rupture it. In some cases, a hymen may not be present at all, as approximately 1 in 1,000 women are born without one.

Who is a candidate for Hymenoplasty?

Any woman with the desire to repair a torn hymen is a good candidate for this procedure. Many women choose to have this procedure due to religious or cultural reasons. This procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

How is the Hymenoplasty procedure done?

The hymenoplasty procedure is a simple out-patient procedure performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will tear the skin around the ends of the hymen, gently cut it away and the remaining tissue is stitched together, which will leave a slight opening. Consequently, the hymenal ring is restored to a similar size and shaped like the one the area once had. In cases when there is no hymen, the surgeon can create one by using the thin vaginal tissue or synthetic tissue also adding a small blood supply artificially or naturally, which helps stimulate the usual bleeding experienced during the first sexual intercourse.

How long is the hymen repair surgery?

This procedure can take one to two hours based on the amount of repair needed. Most patients return to work on the next day yet strenuous activity should be avoided. It’s common for patients to experience slight bleeding during the first 48 to 72 hours, which is perfectly normal. It takes almost six weeks for the area to heal fully. Sutures will dissolve on their own. There will be no signs of surgery, and nobody can tell the difference between a natural or reconstructed hymen. Thereon, patients may experience similar sensations to virginal first-time intercourse.

When should I expect to recover from Hymen Repair Surgery?

You can go back to work within 1 to 2 days and full recovery usually takes place in 4 to 6 weeks.

What should I expect after Hymen Repair Surgery?

Following your hymenoplasty, some discomfort or soreness is expected for the first 1-2 weeks.  it’s natural to experience some degree of spotting and discomfort, however this should subside within 3 days of the procedure. We advise patients to take medications prescribed by their physician to be as comfortable as possible during recovery. You should gently wash the area with mild soap and water regularly and avoid heavy lifting to promote proper healing. The hymen will take four to six weeks to heal fully. During this time, the patient should abstain from sexual activity and the use of tampons to allow the incisions to fully heal. There is minimal downtime and most women return to work quickly after this procedure.

What are the Hymenoplasty surgery side effects?

There are rare complications associated with this procedure. Some potential side effects include bruising and swelling, hematomas and bleeding, discoloration of the hymen, and numbness. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Intense pain three days after hymen reconstruction surgery
• Faintness
• Rare or foul-smelling discharge
• Excessive itching
• Irregular bleeding
• Inflammation
  

What are the Hymen Repair Surgery ( Hymenoplasty) Post Guidelines?

Patients are observed in the recovery room a few hours after hymen reconstruction surgery, and if no complications arise, they are relieved. Some guidelines to keep in mind include:

• Keep your recovery area clean by washing with soap and water regularly.
• Take antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication as recommended by your surgeon.
• Apply warm compresses or ice packs to ease the swelling and pain.
• You may take a bath about 2-3 days after hymen repair surgery.
• Abstain from sexual intercourse for eight weeks after hymenoplasty surgery and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities during 4-6 weeks so the incisions heal completely and the new hymen is not torn.
• Most patients are back to work the day after hymen repair surgery and resume light exercise a week after surgery.

If you reside in or around Baltimore, Annapolis and the Washington, DC, area and feel confident that a hymenoplasty procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with the specialists at Women’s Health and Cosmetic Services of Maryland. Depending on why you might request hymenoplasty, this may be a delicate subject to discuss. Rest assured that our doctors are familiar with the many reasons patients ask for this procedure, and fully understand your discomfort and shyness in regard to this subject. It’s your body. We want to help make you as comfortable and confident with it as possible .Contact us today!