Purpose of the Procedure
The hymen is a membrane near the opening of thevagina.
When it forms normally, it is thin and can be easily “broken.”
In other cases, high-intensity physical activities like exercise or athletics may contribute to breaking the hymen.
Innocenti / Getty Images
Some people are born with a hymen that is not easily broken.
Often, a congenital condition causing an imperforate hymen is diagnosed at birth.
Risks and Contraindications
While hymenectomy is considered a minor surgical procedure, every surgery comes with risks.
Your healthcare team will go over these risks with you before you have the procedure.
You will receiveanesthesia, sedation, and other forms of medication.
Timing
The surgery itself usually takes less than one hour.
You will be given sedation and anesthesia, which means you will need someone to drive you.
You will likely feel groggy and a little sore.
You may be told to fast completely starting the night before your surgery.
If you have questions, it’s best to call your insurance company before you have the surgery.
Before surgery, you will likely not be allowed to have anything to eat or drink.
They may do an exam, ask you questions, or perform other pre-operative tasks.
If you have any questions or concerns, this is a good time to speak to them.
You may need to wait a while.
If someone is with you, they can help distract you or comfort you if you feel nervous.
The surgeon and nurses will get you into a position that will help them perform the surgery.
They will clean the area with disinfectant and cover most of your body with sterile drapes.
These sutures will not need to be removedinstead, they will be absorbed naturally as your body heals.
Post-Surgery
After your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area.
You may feel teary, nauseated, or a little disoriented when you first wake up.
You will be allowed to have something to drink and a little something to eat.
You will also need to use the bathroom before you could be discharged.
In the first few days of healing, it may be quite painful.
Unless there are complications, you’ll be able to go home the same day as your surgery.
If you have any questions or don’t understand the instructions, be sure to ask for clarification.
it’s possible for you to also ask the person who is driving you home to help take notes.
You will usually be feeling well enough after a week or so.
In some cases, you may have lingering discomfort for a couple of months.
Your practioner may also recommend you try a warmsitz bathto ease any post-operative discomfort.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of an infection.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, your post-operative appointment is the time to ask.
If you become pregnant, be sure to let your obstetric health care know that you had a hymenectomy.
Ghadian A, Heidari F.Is hymenotomy enough for treatment of imperforated hymen?Nephro-Urology Monthly.
JMatern Fetal Neonatal Med.Sept 2018;1-5. doi:10.1080/14767058.2018.1519539
