Hymenotomy - removal of the hymen
Indications for hymen removal are also personal reasons - patient concerns
A hymenotomy is a procedure that involves cutting or incising the hymen. In some women, the hymen is so thick that it causes pain during intercourse or makes intercourse completely impossible. The hymen should be breached during the first sexual initiation, but this is not always possible. The hymenotomy procedure is often chosen by young women who are afraid of the pain during the first intercourse and the heavy bleeding that may accompany it. Find out what the whole procedure involves and how it goes. Women interested in hymenotomy are invited to undergo the procedure at the Invimed clinic in Gdynia.
For whom is hymen removal surgery?
Qualification for a hymenotomy procedure
Preparation for the hymenotomy procedure
What is the procedure for hymen removal?
Contraindications to the hymenotomy procedure
FAQ - frequently asked questions
For whom is hymen removal surgery?
The hymen is a small, elastic fold of mucous membrane inside the vaginal outlet. It protects against the entry of germs from the outside, but is not completely sealed as it allows bleeding during menstruation. Its appearance can vary, which depends on factors such as hormones, genes or past infections. The hymen is only partially attached to the vagina, so during the first sexual intercourse many women do not feel its break. It also changes throughout life. Before puberty, it is thin and more sensitive. During puberty, however, it thickens and becomes more stretchy due to increased hormones. There are several types of hymen shape, e.g. crescentic, silk-screened, marginal or perforated hymen.
If this fold of mucous membrane is hard, it can cause a lot of unpleasantness for the woman. The abnormal structure of the hymen makes sexual intercourse impossible, which often also affects the psychological state and well-being of the woman. In such a situation, the function of the hymen is also not fulfilled, so a procedure to remove it may be necessary.
During the first sexual intercourse, the hymen may stretch or tear completely, but this is not the rule. When it refuses to rupture, it is worth considering a visit to a gynaecologist. Sometimes other activities such as exercise or the use of tampons can damage the membrane. Rupture of the membrane at the gynaecologist is also possible during an examination. It is not only its rupture that can cause pain and minor bleeding, but also its strong stretching. The problem of an overgrown hymen can also be the retention of menstrual blood and mucus inside the vagina, which does not benefit the female body. Piercing the hymen too abruptly causes pain and can also affect the female psyche.
Hymen abnormalities are most often diagnosed by a gynaecologist. Their removal makes sexual initiation possible, as many women struggling with this defect still have it.
Sometimes pain may occur during intercourse with a partner, preventing full intercourse. In some women, the hymen may be thicker and harder, and may be partially or completely overgrown, with the additional symptoms of lower abdominal pain, strong urge to push on the bladder or menstrual disorders.
The first sexual intercourse is an important event for most people, so it can cause additional stress due to pain and bleeding. Many women in this situation seek information on how to pierce the hymen. Sometimes patients, due to fear, decide to have their hymen incised at the gynaecologist. In this way, they want to avoid the uncomfortable situation of having intercourse for the first time. The indications for surgical incision of the hymen can therefore be both medical and psychological.
Women with a congenital vaginal defect can also undergo this procedure. The medical indications are very important and its removal can improve the patient's wellbeing, increase her self-confidence and sometimes repair interpersonal relationships.
Make an appointment at Invimed Gdynia!
If you are interested in the service presented on this page, make an appointment for a consultation at the Invimed clinic in Gdynia. Call the helpline number: 500 900 888 or click the button below and complete the contact form. Aesthetic gynaecology and contraceptive gynaecology procedures are only provided by this facility.
Qualification for a hymenotomy procedure
In some women, the hymen is thick and hard from birth, which can make it difficult to have sexual initiation. This is one of the indications for a hymenotomy procedure, but there may also be psychological reasons, which are equally important. The fear of hymen rupture and possible bleeding can be so strong that it will prevent sexual intercourse. Performing a hymenotomy is one solution in such a situation.
Before the procedure, a medical appointment is necessary, involving a thorough interview with the patient, as well as the necessary examinations. The skin fold incision is performed by a qualified gynaecologist who specialises in aesthetic gynaecology.
The preoperative interview consists of an analysis of the patient's general health, sex life or complaints, and the doctor may also ask about the motivation for the hymenotomy. If this procedure is performed with general anaesthesia, an examination is also necessary. Essentials include blood count, APTT, glucose, sodium, potassium, fibrinogen and a general urine test. There is also a discussion with the anaesthetist before the procedure.
As with any procedure, there may be contraindications to hymenotomy. Surgical removal of the hymen should not be carried out during menstruation, as well as in women with diabetes, blood clotting disorders, infections in the intimate areas and unstable hypertension. Active cancer, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy in such a situation, also exclude the patient from the procedure. In the case of ongoing menstruation or infection in the intimate area, it is necessary to wait an appropriate amount of time and then qualify for the procedure again.
Preparation for the hymenotomy procedure
In preparation for a hymenotomy, a woman should have a consultation with a gynaecologist (analysis of her health - general and intimate, discussion on her motivation to undergo a hymenotomy) and have examinations (gynaecological and cytological).
If the removal of the hymen takes place under general anaesthesia, the patient must also have blood tests (APTT, blood count, blood sugar, sodium, potassium, fibrinogen) and appear fasting (six hours without food or drink) on the day of the procedure.
The surgical procedure also involves other recommendations.
Recommendations before hymen removal:
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limit the number of cigarettes smoked to 3-4 per day - three days before the operation;
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discontinuation of vitamin E and certain medications within two weeks prior to surgery - pharmacological agents such as acetylsalicylic acid, flu and cough medicines can adversely affect blood clotting and increase the risk of haemorrhage during surgery;
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informing the doctor of any infections that have occurred in the two weeks preceding the procedure.
What is the procedure for hymen removal?
The hymen removal procedure is most often carried out under local anaesthesia, less often under general anaesthesia, but this is decided by the doctor. The procedure itself takes between 30 and 45 minutes, during which the doctor incises the hymen. The incision is made in the form of a cross. Sometimes the incision of the hymen alone may not be sufficient, so the hymen may also be removed in whole or in fragments. A laser is used to make the incision, which is very precise and reduces the risk of complications. The procedure can also be performed with a surgical scalpel. During the operation, dissolvable sutures are placed, which disappear on their own after a few days. The procedure itself does not require hospitalisation, so the patient can return to her daily activities. Today, local anaesthesia is the most common choice in cosmetic gynaecology.
After about a week, a follow-up visit is necessary to check how the operated area is healing. In our clinic, the procedures are performed by Invimed's top-class specialists, trained by world-renowned doctors.
Immediately after treatment
Removing the hymen surgically is not painful, but the patient may experience some discomfort during the administration of the anaesthetic. You remain under observation for the first few hours after the procedure. Until leaving the clinic, the patient is looked after by a qualified team of nurses and doctors. After a few hours, she can go home. Initially, the patient may be given painkillers.
Immediately after the operation you may experience spotting, which is normal after this type of operation. The wound should heal within two weeks, at which point the spotting subsides. There may also be some pain. If the patient has not undergone general anaesthesia, there is no need to remain under medical observation, but it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions.
After the surgery, due to the medication used, the patient may feel weak and drowsy. The operation may also be frightening and increase your stress levels, so you may feel anxious, your heart may beat faster and your arms and legs may tremble. It is a good idea to relax before the procedure itself and discuss any concerns with your doctor. For the first few days, the labia or areas within the vulva may be swollen and sensitive to touch. The operated area should not be touched, as this can lead to wound superinfection. Any abnormality of the hymen is usually removed during surgery and the patient can enjoy life without pain.
If you have any doubts, our entire team is here to help.
Contraindications to the hymenotomy procedure
The hymen removal procedure should not be performed during menstruation. Health problems such as diabetes, blood clotting disorders, tumours and infections in the vulva and vagina are also contraindications to hymenotomy.
Recovery after hymenotomy
Recovery after the procedure is not long. You can already return to work the next day, unless the pain makes daily life difficult. Recovery usually takes between 4-6 weeks, but significant improvement can be seen after just a few days. During recovery (for a minimum of 4 weeks), it is necessary to refrain from intercourse, as this can infect the wound and prolong healing. During this time, physical exertion must also be avoided. Not only is it forbidden to play sports, but also to lift heavy things. After about four weeks, you can slowly return to exercising.
Up to a few days after the operation, pain and swelling of the vulva may persist. These can be relieved by taking painkillers. During the follow-up visit, which takes place 7 days after the operation, the doctor checks how the wound is healing, and also asks about how you are feeling or how you are feeling postoperatively.
After the operation, it is advisable to take special care of the hygiene of the intimate areas. It is advisable to wash after each use of the toilet. Preferably with water alone or water with gentle cleansers for intimate areas. If possible, the patient should frequently air the operated area or forgo underwear for the duration of recovery. She should also wear underwear made of natural materials, such as cotton. There should also be no pressure on the skin. During the first menstrual period after the procedure, the use of tampons and a menstrual cup is prohibited. It is also important to take care of intimate hygiene during this time. Following the doctor's instructions and caring for the operated area speeds up wound healing.
The effects of the procedure can be spoken of when the wound has completely healed and sexual activity has returned. They can most often be observed after about 6 weeks, but it should be remembered that every patient is different and this issue can be individual.
Potential side effects
Hymenotomy is a minor cosmetic gynaecology procedure. If the patient has been correctly qualified, there is little risk of side effects. The medical history and examination that is carried out before the procedure is designed to minimise the risk of potential side effects. However, it should be borne in mind that a hymenotomy is a surgical procedure where there is little risk of occurrence:
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bruising of the skin around the perineum,
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heavy bleeding,
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intimate infections,
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subcutaneous thickening,
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overgrowth of the scar,
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sensory disturbances in the treated area,
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swellings,
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pain.
Most of the complications following a hymenotomy resolve spontaneously, but if they persist or additional complaints such as fever, headaches or malaise develop, a doctor should be consulted. Medical intervention will also be necessary if the bleeding is very heavy, dizziness or fainting occurs. However, it should be remembered that haemorrhage is extremely rare, thanks to a well-conducted patient interview.
FAQ - frequently asked questions
Can the gynaecologist pierce the hymen?
The hymen should be pierced (or perhaps better - torn?) during the first sexual intercourse. Sometimes, for medical or psychological reasons, this can be difficult. In such a situation, the gynaecologist can cut the hymen. Such a procedure is called a hymenotomy and is carried out under anaesthesia. It allows the hymen to be surgically cut. In conclusion, the perforation of the hymen at the gynaecologist is only possible during a surgical procedure, which women can undergo after they have qualified and eliminated any contraindications.
How much does hymen removal surgery cost?
The price of hymen removal surgery can depend on many factors, including the type of anaesthesia used. However, most often patients undergo this operation with local anaesthesia. Prices for hymenotomy start at £1,900. It can be performed at our clinic in Gdynia. We offer the possibility to finance the operation using an instalment system.
Does hymen removal surgery hurt?
The procedure to remove the membrane is performed under anaesthesia and is painless. During the incision of the hymen, the patient does not feel any pain. However, the administration of an anaesthetic may cause some discomfort, which quickly passes. If pain persists after the procedure, pain-relieving medication can be taken. The removal of the hymen has the opinion of a procedure that improves the comfort of life. Despite the slight discomfort, it is worth considering.
Is the procedure reimbursed by the National Health Fund?
Aesthetic medicine procedures, including hymenotomy, can be reimbursed by the National Health Service, but only in certain cases. Only women who have medical indications for hymen removal are eligible. Unfortunately, the waiting time for the procedure is very long, which is why many women choose to have it done in a private clinic. In Invimed, hymenotomy procedures are performed in a modern facility in Gdynia. We guarantee comfort and safety before and after the procedure, as well as the care of qualified staff. We specialise in aesthetic gynaecology and cooperate with professionals in their field. Additionally, we offer the possibility of paying in instalments.
What anaesthetic is used during the procedure?
All surgical procedures must be performed under anaesthesia, which is necessary for the correct removal of the hymen. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, administered by injection. During administration, you feel discomfort, which quickly passes. After a few minutes, the anaesthetised area can be operated on.
Can the hymen grow back after it has been removed?
Some women wonder how to remove the hymen, but there is a group of ladies who aim to restore it. However, it is important to remember that the hymen is very elastic. Its puncture (rupture) usually occurs during the first intercourse. This small fold of skin can bend under pressure, but does not always break. The hymen does not regenerate or grow back on its own. However, there are methods to restore it. This is not a complicated procedure. It consists of sewing the folds left by the hymen together with a dissolvable thread. Once the sutures have healed and absorbed, there is no way of knowing whether this fold was surgically reconstructed.
Summary
| Duration of treatment | blood count, APTT, glucose, sodium, potassium, fibrinogen and general urinalysis |
| Type of anaesthesia | local |
| Stay at the clinic | maximum 1 day |
| Period of sexual absenteeism | 4-6 weeks |
| Type of seams | soluble - no need to remove |
| Changing dressings | not applicable |
| Control | yes, after 7 days |
| Contraindications | menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, hypertension, active cancer, radio and chemotherapy, inflammation at the site of surgery, intimate infections |