Care After Hymenoplasty Before we explain the aftercare of the hymenoplasty surgery, we have to understand the whole process, how it is done, why it is done, if you should get it done and the risks.
First of all, Hymenoplasty is the process of restoring or constructing the hymen. The hymen is tissue that partly or completely, which in most cases is a health problem, covers the vaginal opening. Hymen come in different shapes and forms, some are thick, some are thin, some are totally flexible whereas others cause bleeding when damaged, they totally vary from person to person. Some women do not even have the hymen. The main purpose of this part of tissue is protecting the vagina from dust, dirt, bacteria. etc.
However, the hymen has become part of a social construct through the years and is now associated with the virginity of women. Even though the hymen can be damaged by everyday activities, such as exercising, horseriding, cycling, putting in a tampon or masturbating, many people believe that the hymen is only destroyed during the first sexual intercourse of women.
Women may have many different reasons to get a hymenoplasty, but the most common ones are cultural reasons and psychological reasons. Cultural reasons include getting married into a family that values the virginity of the women or wanting to forget the past, whereas psychological reasons may include sexual assault. Hymenoplasty can also be performed after childbirth since childbirth leads to loosening in the muscles. The procedure can offer a more enhanced sex life. Apart from these reasons, hymenoplasty is also performed on girls who have a completely blocked vaginal opening and thus can not have their menstruation in a healthy way. Whatever the reason is, hymenoplasty is accessible for everyone and a relatively easy process.
How is hymenoplasty performed?
Hymenoplasty contains a few different types of procedures that can vary according to the type of hymen the patient has or wants.
The basic technique: This technique can be performed on patients whose hymen has not been completely destroyed but only torn apart. If there are any remains of the hymen, these remains are stitched back together, forming a small opening at the opening of the vagina. This technique is mostly performed under local anesthesia, but can also be performed under general anesthesia in order to prevent discomfort and pain for the patient. The basic technique takes up around thirty to forty minutes.
The All-Plant technique: The All-Plant technique is preferred when there are not any remains around the hymen. During this surgery, a biomaterial is placed inside the opening of the vagina, which will serve as the natural tissue structure of the hymen. This technique requires a longer time in contrast to the basic technique and will take around two hours. Local anesthesia is preferred but general anesthesia may be used according to the patient’s wish.
Hymen reconstruction: This procedure is a little bit more complicated than the previous ones. In hymen reconstruction, the surgeon creates a new hymen by taking tissue from the labia minora or labia majora. Patients should not have sexual intercourse for at least three months after this type of surgery.
Who is not eligible for hymenoplasty?
Patients who know they are allergic to anesthesia, patients who are suffering from cancer of genital diseases, patients who have heart diseases are not eligible for hymenoplasty. The doctor will decide if the patient is eligible according to their circumstances.
Who is eligible for hymenoplasty?
- Patients who are born with a completely blocked vaginal opening, thus needing hymenoplasty for health reasons
- Patients who want to have hymenoplasty for cosmetic, cultural, psychological reasons
- Patients who are above the consent age
- Patients who are generally healthy and do not suffer from any health conditions
Preparing for Hymenoplasty Surgery
There are some precautions patients have to take before undergoing the hymenoplasty surgery. These are listed below:
- No smoking for 4 weeks until the surgery
- No alcohol intak efor 3 days until the surgery
- No intake of blood thinning medications for ten days until the surgery
- No intake of birth control medications for ten days until the surgery
These precautions may vary according to the patients’ circumstances and health. The doctor will provide further information.
What are complications patients can face?
The hymenoplasty surgery is a relatively smooth going surgery, it is performed in under an hour and the patient does not have to spend time at the hospital, however since everybody is different and every body reacts differently to anesthesia and pain, some complications and problems may occur. Complications seen after hymenoplasty surgery and general problems after surgery are listed below:
- Swelling of the area
- Spot bleeding for the few days after surgery
- Itchyness in the area caused by the stiches
- Allergical reactions to the anesthesia
- Nausea and vomitting
- Blood clots in the area
- Numbness
- Hemotoma
- Discolouration of the Hymen
- Infections in the area
Care after Hymenoplasty surgery
There are some guidelines the patients should follow in order to go through a painless, smooth recovery after most surgeries. These guidelines can also be the case for the hymenoplasty surgery.
- No smoking for at least 4 weeks after the surgery
- Keeping the area clean from any kind of dirt
- Taking all the prescribed medications in order to prevent any kind of infections
- Avoiding exercises and heavy work for at least around two to three weeks after surgery
- No usage of tampons, hygiene pads can be used instead
- No kind of sexual activity for at least six to eight weeks
- Baths can be taken after three days after the surgery
- Warm compresses and ice-packs are recommended in order to prevent any swelling or pain
The approximate recovery time after the hymenoplasty surgery takes around 8 weeks unless there are any complications, such as infections.
Warning
Patients are ought to keep in mind that the hymenoplasty surgery does not guarantee any kind of spotting during the first sexual intercourse after the surgery since the natural structure of the hymen may be very elastic.
The results of the hymenoplasty surgery can be affected by daily activities such as cycling, using tampons, exercising, etc.
CARE AFTER HYMENOPLASTY
- Rest and Take It Easy
Just like after playing a lot, your body needs rest and relaxation after hymenoplasty. Take it easy and let your body heal, just like a superhero taking a break!
- Listen to the Doctor
Firstly, Your doctor is like a wise helper on this journey! Listen carefully to what they say and do what they tell you.Moreover, They will give you helpful tips to keep your private area safe and happy.
- Keep It Clean
Keeping your private area clean is super important after hymenoplasty. Gently wash with mild soap and water to keep it fresh and healthy, like taking care of your favorite toys!
- Be Gentle
Like being gentle with your toys, be gentle with yourself! Avoid rough play or activities that might strain your body.After that, Give it some time to heal properly and feel better.
- Be Patient and Kind
Remember, healing takes time, like waiting for your favorite story to finish. Be patient and kind to yourself during this special time.So, Your body is like a treasure that needs care and love.
- Talk to Grown-Ups
If you have any questions or worries, talk to grown-ups you trust, like your parents or a kind doctor.So, They will be there for you and make sure you feel safe and happy.
In Conclusion,Taking care of yourself after hymenoplasty is like being a superhero for your body. Rest, listen to the doctor, and keep your private area clean to heal and feel better.So, Be gentle with yourself and give your body time to recover, just like taking care of your toys. Talking to grown-ups you trust is important if you have any questions or worries.