Hymenectomy Procedure

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What is the Hymen?
A hymen is a thin membrane located at the opening of the vagina and is something most females are born with. Hymens come in different shapes and usually have a small opening. It has no real medical purpose although some experts believe it evolved over time to help protect the vagina from infections.

Many religions and cultures believe that the hymen represents a woman’s virginity, only broken during the first sexual intercourse. This is a famous myth that has long been debunked since the hymen needs to be partially open to allow for menstruation in women of childbearing age. Additionally, today we know that even nonsexual activity such as inserting a tampon or even exercising can tear the hymen.

What Are the Different Types of Hymen?
The most common hymen type in young women is a half-moon shape. But hymens come in different types, sizes and some women are even born without one. However, there are three types of irregular hymens that may actually cause discomfort:

- Imperforate hymen: This type of hymen is sometimes diagnosed at birth but more commonly during the teen years. An imperforate hymen is when the thin membrane completely covers the opening of the vagina. Around 1 in 200 women have this birth defect. This creates problems for the girl since menstrual blood is unable to flow out of the vagina, leading to a back of blood and abdominal and/or back pain. In rare cases, an imperforate hymen can even create problems with passing urine and pain with bowel movements.

- Microperforate hymen: A microperforate hymen is when the thin membrane has a very small opening and covers most of the opening to the vagina. This usually allows menstrual blood to flow out the vagina through the small opening. However, a young woman with a microperforate hymen will have problems inserting a tampon or have issues removing it once it fills up with blood.

- Septate hymen: A septate hymen is when this thin membrane has a band of extra tissue in the middle that results in two small vaginal openings rather than one. Women with this birth defect may have difficulties inserting or removing a tampon. A septate hymen removal surgery is a simple procedure that removes the extra band of tissue and creates a normal vaginal opening.

What Is a Hymenectomy?
A hymenectomy (also referred to as hymenotomy) is a minor surgical procedure performed to create an opening in the hymen. During the hymenectomy procedure, a scalpel is used to cut away the hymen. Hymen removal surgery usually removes the whole membrane. However, some women may request a partial hymenectomy for religious purposes which leaves the hymen intact and only creates a small opening in it.

Hymenectomy surgery is a simple procedure done in your gynecologist’s office. It is performed under general anesthesia and the doctor will also numb the vaginal opening. Once the webbing covering the vaginal opening is partially or completely cut away, your gynecologist will use sutures to close the incision that will dissolve on their own. The hymenectomy procedure itself takes around one hour to complete. However, patients will be asked to remain in the recovery room for an additional hour following the surgery.

What Is the Purpose of a Hymenectomy?
There are several reasons for getting a hymenectomy surgery. It is often performed in women with a hymen that is abnormally thick, septate, or obstructs the flow of menstrual blood. In such cases, the hymen removal will prevent a build-up of blood, facilitate normal menstruation and will need to be done before the first period. If a woman has a membrane with a very small opening, the hymen removal surgery can be used to alleviate abdominal pain during a period and discomfort during sex.

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