Hymenoplasty, also known as hymen reconstruction surgery, is a surgical procedure that aims to restore or reconstruct the hymen, a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. The hymen can naturally tear due to various reasons, including physical activity, tampon use, or sexual intercourse. Some individuals may seek this procedure for cultural, religious, or personal reasons.

Key Points About Hymenoplasty:

What It Involves:

• The surgery typically involves stitching together the remnants of the hymen or creating a new membrane using vaginal tissue.

• It’s usually done under local anesthesia and may take 30 minutes to an hour.

• Recovery time is relatively short (a few days to a week), but complete healing might take 4–6 weeks.

Types of Hymenoplasty:

1. Simple hymen repair – stitches the torn edges of the hymen back together.

2. Hymen reconstruction – creates a new hymen using tissue from the vaginal wall if the remnants are not present.

3. Alloplant hymenoplasty – uses a synthetic tissue implant to recreate the hymen (less common).

Reasons People Get It:

• Cultural or religious beliefs requiring an intact hymen before marriage.

• Psychological healing after sexual trauma or assault.

• Personal choice or aesthetic preference.

Considerations:

• It’s a private and sometimes controversial procedure due to societal and ethical debates.

• The surgery doesn’t affect fertility or menstruation.

• It doesn’t guarantee bleeding during intercourse, as not all people bleed when the hymen tears, even naturally.

Cost & Availability:

• The cost varies by city and clinic, ranging from a few thousand to a few lakh rupees.

• It’s offered by gynecologists or cosmetic surgeons, especially in private clinics.

Legal in India:

• Hymenoplasty is legal in India, and it’s a common cosmetic procedure performed by trained gynecologists and surgeons in well-established clinics.