The
hymen is a thin, delicate membrane. You can compare it
to skin but much thinner and consisting of elastic and fibrous tissue.
It partially covers the opening (introitus) of the vagina in most
girls. It is a remnant from the development as a foetus, of the
membranes of the vagina and urogenital sinus at their point of fusion.
In younger women, the hymen is very vascular. In menopausal women
it has become very thin. In adult virginal women, the hymen surrounds
the vaginal opening more or less completely. |
Function of the hymen |
The biological function
of the human hymen is still uncertain. Scientists hypothesize
that it protects the vagina from infection in infants. It has to
be incomplete, in order to allow the outflow of menstrual blood
at the onset of puberty.
The social function of the hymen, however, has been and still is
a mythical symbol of virginity in many cultures. |
Hymen Repair or Hymen
Restoration Surgery - Hymenoplasty |
Hymenoplasty is
a surgical procedure designed to repair and reconstruct the thin,
ring-like skin membrane partially covering the opening of the vagina,
known as the “hymen.” It is made of elastic and fibrous
tissue. Bleeding occurs when the hymen tears, which is
typically the result of a woman’s first experience with intercourse,
so this type of surgery will pull the tissue back together to restore
a “virgin-like” quality. On rare instances, a female
can unknowingly tear her hymen by inserting a tampon, or during
sports like bicycling, horseback riding, or even gymnastics. While
the biological function of the hymen is still uncertain, its social
function is popularly regarded as a mythical symbol in many cultures.
Therefore, qualified plastic surgeons perform hymenoplasty at the
request of women who need the surgery for ethnic, cultural, or religious
reasons. Patients with the desire for higher sexual satisfaction
may also be candidates for this procedure, because the vaginal walls
are tightened.
Hymenoplasty generally takes about one to two hours, with
patients able to return to work the next day. Restoration
of the hymen is done on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia
or sedation. Prior to surgery, patients are required to have a pre-surgical
consultation and thorough gynecological examination. During this
time, she should communicate her needs and expectations to the doctor,
and in turn, will learn of the possible risks and benefits to hymenoplasty.
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