Hymenoplasty Cost, Procedure, Contraindications & Possible Complications

Hymenoplasty, also called hymen repair, is a cosmetic surgery performed to restore the hymen.  The hymen is a thin membrane of connective tissue over the entrance of the vagina.  It can vary in thickness and elasticity. In general, it is broken during the first intercourse, but there are many other reasons for it to break.  Heavy sports activity, falling from a cycle or high diving, or even tampon use can cause it to break.  In many religions, it is important for the woman to be seen as a virgin, so the hymen must be intact. The procedure is sometimes referred to as “re-virginization,” because it repairs the hymen after sexual activity has occurred, or it has ruptured for other reasons.  It is often sought by women who are trying to appease ethnic, cultural or religious beliefs.  It is mostly done in Latin American and Middle Eastern countries.  An intact hymen was often a sign of virginity, and this is why repairing the hymen is referred to as re-virginization, although it does not actually make a woman a virgin again.  Most surgeons do not perform this surgery on a woman who has already borne children. 

Hymenoplasty Procedure 

The hymenoplasty can be done on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic.  The doctor uses dissolvable stitches to simply reconnect the skin membrane that once covered part of the opening to the vagina.  A procedure is done to prevent the bleeding of small blood vessels in the area. The torn edges of the hymen are removed and then the new edges are brought back together and stitched so that they can grow back together while the sutures dissolve.  The ring of the hymen over the vagina is made small enough so that the hymen will “tear” again when sexual relations begin at some future point.  The tearing will cause some pain and there will be some bleeding.  The surgery often takes just a few minutes, and recovery time is approximately six weeks, and sexual activity should be put off for about 2 months. 

Hymenoplasty Contraindications 

Inflammation of the vagina, mental disorders, poor blood clotting, complications with anesthesia and genital infections are all reasons not to have a hymenoplasty.  If you are in poor physical health, it is not advised to have any type of surgical procedure. 

Hymenoplasty Cost 

The cost of a hymenoplasty procedure will range from about $1800 to $3000, depending on your location and the expertise of the physician. 

Hymenoplasty Complications 

Minimal risks of fever and infection accompany the hymenoplasty or hymen repair surgery.  Possible allergic reaction to the anesthesia is also rare.  There could be some over-recession, which would cause pain during intercourse. If you may experience serious symptoms, your Physician will prescribe you an appropriate treatment to fight against these health issues.