Hymenoplasty (hymen reconstruction surgery)

The hymen is a membrane located at the entrance of the vagina, forming a sort of ring. It is typically present, especially in the case of young women (virgins). However, in some cases, this membrane may be absent without causing any health issues.

The function of the hymenal ring is to protect the vagina from infections until puberty, at which point the vaginal flora has developed and is capable of defending itself against infections effectively. 

Once the membrane has lost its purpose, it becomes thinner and more fragile, and may tear more easily without necessarily being due to sexual intercourse.

Hymenoplasty (hymen reconstruction surgery) is a surgical procedure that involves restoring the membrane that surrounds the vaginal opening using sutures. 

This surgery can be performed regardless of whether the membrane was torn due to trauma or sexual intercourse. It is a very simple hymen reconstruction technique, which is currently in high demand for cultural, psychological or religious reasons.

The hymen is a membrane located at the entrance of the vaginal canal, partially closing it and separating the vulva from the cavity. The hymenal ring can be observed in virgin women by gently parting the labia minora.

The hymen is a very flexible membrane, shaped like a corolla, which separates the vaginal cavity from the vulva.

This membrane serves to protect the vagina from infections until puberty. In addition to its protective function, in our society, the hymen is associated with female virginity, as it typically tears during first sexual intercourse. However, the hymen can also be torn due to factors unrelated to sexual activity.

The hymen may tear due to factors such as:

• Intense physical activities: gymnastics, swimming, horse riding, cycling, etc.
• Strong impact or trauma to the area
• Use of tampons during menstruation
• It is also possible to be born without this membrane, which occurs in 1 in every 1,000 women.

So, if this membrane no longer serves a purpose after puberty, when the vaginal flora already protects us from potential infections, why would someone choose to reconstruct the hymen? We explain this in the next section.

Hymenoplasty is an intimate reconstructive surgery that allows a woman to restore an intact hymen.

For most women today, the hymen may seem insignificant. However, there are several cases in which it plays an important role, especially in a social, cultural or religious context. The main reasons for undergoing this procedure include:

• Arriving virgin at marriage. This is especially common among women from the Roma community and women whose religion is Islam, who may feel pressured to remain virgins until marriage. In these cases, preserving the hymen or undergoing hymenoplasty becomes an obligation to protect their honour and integrity.
• As a response to sexual assault. A woman may choose to have hymenoplasty after experiencing rape; the emotional trauma can be so severe that reconstructing the hymen may help her find closure and begin to heal from the physical and emotional damage.
• As a symbolic gesture. Some women opt to offer their virginity symbolically to a new partner, which may be a reason for undergoing hymenoplasty. However, this is a less common motivation for seeking reconstructive surgery.

If you are interested in hymen reconstruction surgery and wish to address your situation, the first step is to request a surgical assessment consultation with the specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics. This will give you the opportunity to meet the doctor and allow them to become familiar with your case.

To request a surgical assessment consultation, you can call at +34 91 141 33 56, use the contact form on the website, or click on Request an appointment.

Are you interested in a Hymenoplasty?

Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in Gynaecology and set a surgery date for the treatment

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Once the consultation has been requested, one of our patient service advisors will get in touch with you to answer any questions you may have and to confirm that the date and time of the appointment suit your needs.

On the day of your consultation with the specialist, you should bring all medical tests or reports related to the hymenal tear. This will help the doctor understand your medical history and rule out any possible contraindications for the surgery. 

The specialist will review your clinical history and carry out a physical examination.

If you are indeed a suitable candidate for hymen reconstruction surgery, the doctor will explain everything about the procedure and what it involves, from pre-operative recommendations to post-operative care. If you decide to proceed with the surgery, a date will be scheduled for the pre-operative assessment and another for the procedure itself.

In addition, the day after your consultation, one of our personal patient service advisors will contact you to check how everything went and, if you are going ahead with the surgery, to begin all the necessary arrangements for the process.

Pre-operative process for hymenoplasty

Usually, the waiting time between the consultation with the specialist and the surgery itself is approximately 7 to 10 days, depending directly on the availability of the operating theatre and the need to carry out a pre-operative assessment. 

During the pre-operative stage, you will undergo several tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): to assess the condition of your heart.
• Chest X-ray: this is not always required and must be specifically requested by the doctor. In addition to checking for any signs of lung conditions, this test helps confirm that the trachea is properly aligned.
• Full blood test: this includes a complete blood count, basic coagulation study, kidney function test, and glucose levels. A urine test will also be done to rule out infection.
• Consultation with the anaesthetist: inform the anaesthetist if you have any allergies, are taking any medication (prescribed or otherwise), have undergone previous surgeries, etc. This consultation will determine the type of anaesthesia to be used during the procedure.

If the anaesthetist gives medical clearance for the surgery, the next step will be to attend the hospital for the procedure. In the case of hymenoplasty, this is usually carried out under local anaesthesia with sedation.

Before undergoing hymen reconstruction surgery, it is important to be aware of the main pre-operative instructions. Following these guidelines will support a faster recovery and help ensure the success of the procedure:

• Stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after surgery to aid healing.
• Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin at least 15 days prior.
• If you are taking oral contraceptives, you must stop taking them 1 month before the surgery.
• On the night before and the morning of the surgery, shower using an antiseptic.

When the day of surgery arrives, you will return to the hospital. First, you will need to hand in all the required documentation, as indicated by our advisors, at admissions. Then, a member of the medical team will escort you to the pre-operative room, where you will be given surgical clothing and prepared for the procedure.

Hymenoplasty is the surgical technique used to restore the hymenal membrane to its original, pre-tear condition.

Once everything is ready, you will be taken to the operating theatre, where you will meet the specialist, the anaesthetist, and several members of the nursing team who will assist during the procedure.

After being positioned for gynaecological surgery, the anaesthetist will administer local anaesthesia and sedation. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the surgery will begin:

Procedure when the hymen is too small

1. After the anaesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes small incisions near the hymen, in the vaginal epithelium (the mucous membrane lining the vaginal walls).
2. The tissue is then stitched using absorbable sutures, reconstructing the hymenal structure to its original state.
3. Once suturing is complete, the operation is finished.

Procedure when the hymen is sufficiently large

1. Once the area is numb, the surgeon locates the remaining parts of the membrane.
2. The edges are refreshed and sutured together using absorbable stitches, taking care to ensure they are not visible.
3. After completing the necessary sutures and achieving the desired shape of the new hymen, the procedure is concluded.

Both techniques are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be able to leave the clinic on your own after the surgery, with no need for hospital admission.

As for the duration of the operation, regardless of the technique used, the procedure typically takes just 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

After hymenoplasty, it is time to focus on the post-operative period and follow the necessary care to help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

Full recovery is typically achieved six weeks after the procedure.

Once the operation is complete and the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off, you will be able to return home to rest and follow your specialist’s instructions. 

The recommended post-operative care includes:

• It is advisable to rest for the next 1 to 2 days and avoid sudden or strenuous movements.
• You will need to maintain specific intimate hygiene, using water and a special intimate soap, both morning and night, as well as after using the toilet.
• The stitches are absorbable and will dissolve on their own within 10 to 15 days.
• We recommend waiting six weeks before resuming any physical activity.
• You should avoid sports that may cause strain or risk tearing the hymen, such as gymnastics, horse riding, swimming, or cycling.
• It is best not to use tampons during menstruation until after your first intimate relationship.
• You may have your first sexual intercourse after six weeks, once healing is complete.

Hymenoplasty is a very straightforward procedure and generally involves a light and quick recovery. However, as with any surgery, there is a small risk of complications, which may include:

• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Bruising
• Pain or discomfort
• Bleeding or haemorrhage

It is important to note that complications are very rare and can usually be resolved by following your doctor’s advice.

The benefits of hymenoplasty are clear: it reconstructs the hymenal ring, restoring your virginity, repairing the tear, and helping you regain your normal daily life and quality of life.

The advantages of having your hymen reconstruction through Operarme include:

• A fully fixed price, all-inclusive, with no hidden costs or unexpected fees — we take care of everything.
• Completely personalised patient care.
• Our gynaecology specialists are experts in their field, with extensive experience and outstanding professional reputations.
• We work with hospitals equipped with the most advanced medical technologies, conveniently located in your city.

The price for Hymenoplasty is 2.490 €. This is a fixed, all-inclusive price with no hidden fees. This price covers everything necessary to ensure the success of the procedure. 

Below is a breakdown of what is included:

• Reservation and use of the operating theatre.
• Complete pre-operative assessment.
• Post-operative visit.
• Medical fees.
• Anaesthetist fees.
• Nursing team fees.
• All surgical materials required for the procedure.
• Anaesthesia and recovery room reservation.
• Medical complication insurance.

To request a free surgical assessment consultation through Operarme, click on the image below and resolve your concerns once and for all:

Are you interested in a Hymenoplasty?

Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in Gynaecology and set a surgery date for the treatment

Make appointment