Hymenectomy

A Hymenectomy is a minor medical procedure involving the surgical removal or opening of the hymen. It is done to treat imperforate hymen or other situations where the hymen is unusually thick or rigid in order to allow normal menstruation or sexual intercourse

Before the Procedure

Always tell your health care provider or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the days before the surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
• Ask your health care provider which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.

On the day of your surgery:

• You very often will be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 – 12 hours before the surgery.
• Take the drugs your health care provider told you to take with a small sip of water.

Your health care provider or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital

Hymenectomy Procedure

Hymenectomy is done under a local anesthetic. You may be given a pill or an injection of medication to relax you. It is rarely done under a general or regional anesthetic. It can be done in the doctor’s office, clinic or hospital. If it is an imperforate hymen, it is opened in the center with scissors or a scalpel, the tissue is cut away. The cut area will be sutured with absorbable sutures (they will not have to be removed later) to prevent bleeding. With a circular hymen the hymen is cut away and the area sutured to prevent bleeding. You may have to remain in a recovery area for an hour before you leave.

After the Hymenectomy Procedure

• Your caregiver may give you topical cream or ointment to apply on the stitches.
• Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicines for pain, discomfort or fever as directed by your caregiver
• Do not take aspirin. It can cause bleeding.
• Do not have sexual intercourse until you are healed and your caregiver gives you permission.
• Do not douche or use tampons.
• You may resume your usual diet.
• You may put an ice pack to the perineum to prevent swelling.
• You may take warm sitz baths 2 to 3 times a day, in a couple of days, to help with any discomfort and healing.
• Do not do any lifting over 5 pounds until your caregiver tells you it is OK.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:

• You develop a temperature of 102° F (38.9° C) or higher.
• You develop abnormal vaginal discharge.
• You have problems with your medications.
• You develop a rash.

Risks of the procedure

As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. Some possible complications of a Hymenectomy Procedure may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Painful scar tissue afterward
• Injury to the tube that passes urine (urethra).