Hymenorrhaphy

Hymenoplasty redirects here. For the operation to correct an imperforate hymen, see Hymenotomy.

Hymenorrhaphy or hymen reconstruction surgery is the surgical restoration of the hymen. The term comes from the Greek words hymen meaning membrane, and raphe meaning suture. It is also known as hymenoplasty, although strictly this term would also include hymenotomy.

Such procedures are not generally regarded as part of mainstream gynecology, but are available from some plastic surgery centres, particularly in the USA, Japan and Western Europe, generally as day surgery. The normal aim is to cause bleeding during the wedding night, which in some cultures is a required proof of virginity. Such operations tend to attract the most business in highly conservative nations such as Iran.

Varieties of the operation

The term may cover at least four significantly different types of procedure:

• Suturing of a tear in the hymen such as might be caused by sexual assault, soon after the assault, to facilitate healing.

• A purely cosmetic procedure in which a membrane without blood supply is created, sometimes including a gelatine capsule of an artificial bloodlike substance. This operation is intended to be performed within a few days before an intended marriage.

• Use of a flap of the vaginal lining, complete with its blood supply, to create a new hymen. Patients are advised to refrain from penetrative sex for up to three months following these procedures.

• The term hymen reconstruction has also been used to describe some varieties of infibulation, requiring further surgery before penetration is possible.

Availability and legality

Some hymen reconstruction operations are legal in some countries, while other countries ban all hymenorrhaphy. Infibulation is in general illegal.

In the United States of America, hymen restoration is available in private clinics and becoming slightly more common.

In France, the cost can be covered by state if the patient claims that she has been raped.

See also

• Genital modification and mutilation
• Hymenotomy
• Vaginoplasty

External links

• Designer vaginas, SMH article describes a private clinic in New Zealand offering hymenorrhaphy and other appearance gynaecology procedures.
• Pediatrics article discusses healing of hymen injuries.
• Hymenoplasty, a presentation to a conference of gynecologists (Microsoft PowerPoint file, 332 KB).
• Muslim women in France regain virginity in clinics, article on Reuters.