Author | Chuan Zhi Xiao Hong Lou: Zhang Yue
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
The hymen is an ordinary part of a woman's body, but it has been given a magical meaning. Since ancient times, China has regarded a woman's hymen as a symbol of "chastity," and even today, the "virginity complex" still drives a large number of girls to undergo hymen repair.
Many people's impression of the hymen comes from the "bleeding" depicted in TV dramas. In period dramas, after the bride and groom enter the bridal chamber, the next day the nanny would smile and bring a handkerchief stained with blood to congratulate the old woman. Thus, we are instilled with the idea from childhood that women bleed the first time, and if they don't bleed, they are not virgins.
But it's 2019 already, and I can't stand that some guys still use bleeding to determine a girl's virginity. Putting aside traditional views, I think it's time to set the record straight about the hymen!
1
What exactly is the hymen?
Many people are drawn to this membrane, but most don't really understand what the hymen is. To be precise, the name "hymen" is very unprofessional because it is not actually a membrane, but rather a thin, flap-like tissue covering the vaginal opening, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
During the embryonic development of the vagina, the hymen acts like a "dividing line," separating the vagina from other organs. However, as the fetus develops, the hymen changes from being "solid" to having an opening. If the labia minora are likened to lips, then the hymen's position is like a petal-shaped gum, enclosing the vaginal opening in an irregular shape. A normal hymen has openings, which can be annular, semi-circular, or sieve-like, called hymenal orifices. In other words, the hymen is inherently "broken."
In fact, those whose hymens have no opening are the truly terrifying ones. Medically, this is called "imperforate hymen," and in ancient times, it was called "stone woman." In order to avoid prolonged retention or reflux of menstrual blood leading to secondary abdominal infection, such patients also need to undergo a special hymen opening surgery [1].
2
Is hymen repair effective?
After puberty, with the development of the ovaries, the increase of estrogen in the body, and the strengthening of vaginal resistance, the hymen no longer plays a key role in preventing bacteria from invading the vagina[2]. The hymen is not a necessity for women. After adulthood, the existence of the hymen has no special significance and its presence or absence has no impact on women's health. Even from the perspective of sexual life, the hymen of adult women will cause women to suffer from tearing pain during sex, which may cause men to ejaculate prematurely due to difficulty in penetration, leaving a certain psychological shadow on both parties[3].
However, the fact that patients seek hymen repair indicates that this technique can, to some extent, heal their emotional wounds and enhance their confidence in pursuing perfect happiness. Therefore, hymen repair is not entirely without merit. Hymen repair surgery has become increasingly popular precisely because it caters to the desire of many women to alleviate their mental burdens and societal pressures. Today, we'll discuss this procedure.
3
How is hymenoplasty performed?
Hymenoplasty means tightening the existing vaginal flaps. Currently, the basic principle of hymenoplasty is to suture the hymenal remnants.
There are various surgical procedures for hymenoplasty, but there is no unified standard indication. Each surgical method has its advantages and limitations. In actual clinical work, the situation of each patient is different, and it is difficult for a certain surgical method to solve the problems of all patients. Therefore, the surgeon should be familiar with each surgical procedure and choose the most suitable surgical method for the patient according to the specific situation and requirements of the hymen rupture [4].
4
Risks of hymenoplasty
Because the hymen is a ring-shaped membrane with connective tissue between its folds, the tissue is fragile and has poor blood supply. In addition, the urethral opening, anus, and vagina produce secretions, which are abundant with bacteria and create a moist environment, which is very unfavorable for the healing of the postoperative wound. If the fragile wound is subjected to greater tension, it will be difficult for the wound to heal. Therefore, there is a possibility of hymen rupture after hymenoplasty[3]. Reports indicate that the success rate of hymenoplasty can reach more than 70%, but the overall healing rate after surgery is less than 50%. In other words, almost half of the women need a second surgery, or even cannot have their hymen repaired[2].
Many women undergo this procedure in the hope of "bleeding" on their wedding night and gaining their husbands' trust. However, the success rate of bleeding is related to the distribution of blood vessels on the hymen, so the success rate cannot be guaranteed [2].
Therefore, everyone must view hymen repair scientifically and rationally. In particular, some women who are eager to undergo the procedure should not blindly believe the "100% success" promises in advertisements and rashly accept the surgery, ultimately resulting in both financial and emotional distress.
5
Choose your hospital carefully.
For reasons of privacy and economy, many women choose non-standard hospitals, and the increase in demand has led to the proliferation of black clinics. Many private hospitals that advertise "hymen repair for only 400 yuan" cannot eliminate these dangers and hidden risks with their fast-food repair procedures. The irregular operation of hospitals may also lead to infection of the female reproductive tract, induce pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, etc., and increase the chance of infertility[2].
6
Doctors should approach hymen repair rationally.
Although hymenoplasty is technically a minor procedure that an experienced clinician can complete successfully in under 30 minutes, patients are not machines to be repaired, and doctors are not simply assembly line workers. Regardless of the reason for losing their virginity and requesting the procedure, doctors should treat all patients equally. It is crucial to protect the patient's privacy and ensure informed consent.
A qualified doctor, in addition to possessing superb medical skills, must also have a compassionate heart, like that of a parent. From a medical humanitarian standpoint, they should consider the patient's needs, ensure the safety of the surgery, relieve the pain of every woman who comes for surgery, and help them break free from their mental shackles and unload their psychological burdens.
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