Where is the Hymen?

The hymen is a piece of skin about 2-3 cm inside the entrance to the vaginal canal. It appears as a ring structure with a hollow edge in the center. It is a soft membrane, usually 1.5-2 mm thick.

How is the Hymen Broken?

The hymen loses its integrity during the first sexual intercourse, when a finger or a foreign object is inserted into the vagina. Contrary to popular belief, when the hymen is broken, it does not disappear completely, only permanent openings in the membrane wall are formed. This appearance is called a damaged hymen.

How is Hymen Examination Performed?

Hymen examination; It is a simple examination that takes a few seconds and is performed only with the eye without using any tools. On the gynecological table, both inner lips are opened and the integrity of the membrane is checked. A hymen examination can be a forensic examination. Especially in cases referred to the prosecutor’s office, it should be recorded. However, only people who are in doubt can be examined with their consent. In private clinics, hymen examinations are not recorded.

How can you tell if the hymen is broken?

The hymen is often broken when an object enters the vagina. In rare cases, it may be disturbed by external friction or masturbation. Sometimes it can be damaged by trauma. Disruption of the hymen is characterized by spotting, bleeding or pain. With a simple gynecological examination, it can be understood whether the hymen is broken or not. This special gynecological examination is called by different names such as “hymen examination”, “virginity check” or “chastity examination”.

What is Hymenoplasty?

Hymenoplasty is the restoration of the integrity of the hymen with some surgical techniques performed on the parts of the hymen at the entrance of the vagina. It is medically called ‘Himenoplasty’. Also, hymenoplasty is a kind of genital plastic surgery.

Why is the Hymen Pierced?

Hymenoplasty is usually applied to people who have had their first sexual intercourse against their will. The hymen damaged after genital trauma can also be repaired. It is preferred to forget the past and make a new start for girls who have experienced their first relationship in an unwanted way or who regret the relationship they have experienced.

What is the Purpose of Hymen Repair?

After hymen repair, the aim is to show the symbol of virginity with more or less blood during the first sexual intercourse. This condition, which is often not noticed at all during sexual intercourse, can be detected by a simple gynecologist examination.

How is Hymenoplasty Done?

The hymen is sewn in two ways: Long-term (permanent sewing) and Short-term repairs (Temporary sewing).

1.Long-term hymenoplasty (permanent hymen): It is preferred when there is no sexual intercourse planned in the near future. Long-term hymen repairs may include flap operations, primary repair with microsurgery and primary repair with vaginal tightening.

The most preferred method for long-term hymenoplasty is known as the “flap method”. In this method, a piece of tissue removed from the lower wall of the vagina is sewn to the side wall of the vagina as a hymen. With this piece of tissue, the vaginal entrance narrows and during sexual intercourse, the newly formed hymen opens and blood comes out.

Microsurgical hymen repair is another permanent hymen repair operation.

This procedure can be performed on hymen that is not excessively damaged. The ends of the remaining parts of the hymen are first opened with scissors and then the opposite ends are brought together again with microsurgery. In this way, permanent hymen repair (hymenoplasty) is realized. The advantage over other methods is that it is often not possible to detect that the hymen has been sutured during a routine gynecological examination. This method should be applied by experienced people.

Vagina tightening and hymen repair are generally among the genital aesthetic operations. It is performed using microsurgery, especially after multiple sexual intercourse, miscarriage, abortion and postpartum vaginal tightening surgeries.

2. Short-term hymenoplasty (temporary hymen): Short-term hymenoplasty is performed in cases where sexual intercourse will occur within 1 week. In short-term hymen repair, the vaginal opening is narrowed with stitches applied to the residual hymen fragments at the entrance of the vagina and blood flow is ensured during the first intercourse. This procedure, also called short-term hymen repair, is usually performed in an average of 5-10 minutes under local anesthesia.

What are the Chances of Success After Hymenoplasty?

The chance of success after hymenoplasty varies according to the method chosen, the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s tissue. In cases where these three factors are complete, the chances of success after hymen restoration are close to 100%.

In order to make the surgical success permanent, there are rules to be considered after suturing. These are the rules;

• Clean wound care and personal hygiene
• Regular use of prescribed medicines
• Avoid contact with hot water for the first 1 week
• Avoiding tight clothing for the first 1 week
• Avoiding heavy work for the first 1 month

How Much Are Hymen Repair Prices?

Hymen repair prices vary according to the surgical technique to be performed, the materials to be used, the type of anesthesia and the center to be performed. In addition, genital aesthetic operations and cosmetic gynecology applications to be performed simultaneously with hymen repair also change the hymen sewing fees.