Hymenoplasty without Hypocrisy

Fewer consultations in our practice are as emotionally charged as the patient seeking hymenoplasty.  Patients seek this procedure for many reasons, but most commonly it is to physically reverse an unwanted sexual encounter, or to enable a marriage which requires virginity as a precondition.

Our patients are often surprised to find themselves in a Plastic Surgeon’s office, not associating plastic surgery with a gynecologic procedure.  It so happens that reconstruction of female genitalia, either following cancer surgery (vulvectomy) or in transgender surgery is a common part of plastic surgery training, and repair of a torn hymen is extremely simple relative to these other reconstructive procedures.  An office like ours is also able to provide the privacy and confidentiality that is impossible to offer in a general hospital.

Does hymenoplasty ‘work’?  Sutures used in the repair have fully dissolved by 3- 6 weeks following surgery, and the hymenal membrane heals without visible scar making detection of surgery impossible.  Bleeding and pain during intercourse has been described to us as ‘ a bit more than the first time’, but that was not seen as a negative characteristic.  No doubt confidence in one’s ‘virginity’ is the most important criteria for a successful performance.

Is hymenoplasty immoral? We are in no position to give advice here, but until men are required to be virgins at marriage it seems hypocrisy to expect that of women.  What of beginning a marriage with a lie?  Not ideal, but every relationship has its share of deceptions, and it is for you to decide if this one is necessary.