Genital surgery is a broad term that is further subdivided into:
1. Male Genital Surgery
2. Female Genital Surgery
Female Genital Surgery is further subdivided into:
- Hymenoplasty / Hymen Repair
- Vaginoplasty / Vaginal Tightening Surgery
- Labioplasty
Male Genital Surgery is further subdivided into:
- Penis Girth Enhancement / Penis Thickness / Penis Width Increase Surgery
- Penile Length Increase Surgery
Hymenoplasty / Hymen Repair
Hymenoplasty is one of the most commonly performed procedures among the young female population. Young, unmarried females who are involved in sexual activity before marriage often undergo this surgery. Females who have ruptured their hymen due to rape or trauma, as well as divorced females who do not wish to disclose their previous experience to a new partner, are also candidates for this surgery.
In our society, there is a cultural expectation for bleeding during first-night intercourse. Due to this, females often become worried and undergo hymenoplasty before marriage to avoid societal stigma.
Assessment and Preparation
When a client visits the clinic, Dr. Abdul Malik and his team, including a female assistant, take a detailed history. Key questions include:
- How long sexual activity has been ongoing.
- How frequently it was done.
- Whether it involved a single partner or multiple partners.
- When sexual intercourse was last performed.
- When the last menstrual cycle ended.
These questions are critical because:
- Frequent sexual activity can widen the hymen, requiring more stitching and longer recovery.
- Surgery performed during or immediately after menstruation increases the risk of stitch breakdown, so the procedure is best performed 7-10 days after the menstrual cycle ends.
After history-taking, an examination is conducted to assess the hymen width and surrounding structures, including labia and vagina. Blood tests like CBC, PT/APTT, and Hepatitis B and C are advised to ensure the patient’s safety.
Why is this Surgery Needed?
The hymen is located at the external vaginal opening, where the penis enters. Its repair is necessary to provide resistance during first-night intercourse, which partners interpret as a sign of virginity.
A key indicator of virginity is that only one small finger can pass through the hymen opening.
Procedure
Dr. Abdul Malik performs hymenoplasty under local anesthesia.
- The patient is placed on an operation table in the lithotomy position.
- The area is sterilized, painted, and draped.
- Local anesthesia is administered, and the procedure begins after 7-10 minutes.
- An incision is made, followed by dissection to separate the inner and outer layers of the hymen.
- Hemostasis is achieved to control bleeding.
- The inner layer is repaired using Vicryl 4/0 sutures, followed by the outer layer, leaving a small hole for menstrual bleeding.
- The area is cleaned, and dressing is applied.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After surgery:
- The patient is monitored in the recovery room for 1-2 hours and then discharged with medications.
- Complete bed rest is advised for 2-3 days, with light activity resuming after 5-7 days.
- Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous activities like running, gym, or weightlifting for at least 2 months.
- Stitches take 6-8 weeks to absorb, so the procedure should ideally be done 2-3 months before marriage for complete healing.
- Pain and swelling typically subside within 4-7 days.
When to Get Hymenoplasty?
It is recommended to undergo hymenoplasty at least 2-3 months before marriage, allowing adequate time for swelling to reduce and stitches to absorb.
Benefits
- Increased confidence.
- Satisfaction during the first night.
- Helps satisfy the partner.
- Ensures bleeding during first-night intercourse in 90% of cases.
Side Effects
Minimal side effects occur in experienced hands but may include:
- Swelling
- Hematoma formation (blood collection)
- Infection
- Pain
- Itching
- Stitch breakdown due to improper care
- Recurrence of the problem
Cost
The cost of hymenoplasty ranges from 70,000 to 90,000 PKR.