menu

The Only NYS Approved by
DOH Surgical Facility

(718) 369-1900

*Same Day Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome

menu

Hymenotomy

Abortion Facility Walk-through
(718) 369-1900

Pregnancy Tool

How many weeks have you been pregnant? On average, there are 28 days in a normal menstrual cycle, but it can last from as little as 22 to as many as 44 days.

DISCLAIMER: This calculator is not a diagnosis.

The calculations that are provided are estimates based on averages.

START HERE

 

What is Hymenotomy?

A hymenotomy is a minor surgical GYN procedure that involves removing part or all of a woman’s hymen. There are many reasons a woman might need a hymenotomy. Most of them having to do with the malformation of the hymen. Some women have this surgery to increase comfort during intercourse, while others need it for health reasons. In many cases, the hymen is simply removed, though some of it may be left in place for personal or religious reasons. A woman receiving a hymenotomy usually has a fairly fast recovery time, barring any infection or surgical complications.

What is the Hymen?

The hymen is a superficial web of tissue located across a portion of the female vaginal opening. Most of the time, the uncovered part of this opening is sufficient to allow for regular menstrual flow or the use of tampons. Traditionally, it is thought to be a representation of virginity, broken the first time a young woman has sexual intercourse. The hymen may also be stretched or broken in other ways, however, such as the first time a young woman uses a tampon, during athletic exercise, or during masturbation.

What are the Types of Hymenotomy?

There are different types of hymenotomy procedures. The type you and your doctor choose depends on the type of hymen you have. The types of hymenotomy include:

  • Septate Hymenotomy– Normally the hymen has a half-moon shape. A septate hymen has an extra band across the middle. This band crested two openings in the hymen. However, each opening is still too small to insert a tampon or allow menstrual blood to flow freely. Septate hymen treatment is a minor procedure to open or remove the hymen. If it isn’t removed, a septate hymen can cause infertility and reproductive problems.
  • Microperforate Hymenotomy– A microperforate hymen is almost fully closed, leaving only a tiny opening. It is unusually something girls are born with when the hymen does not fully develop. The cause of this is not yet known. During microperforate hymenotomy the extra tissue is removed to create an opening in the hymen.
  • Partial Hymenotomy– Many cultures and religions view an intact hymen as a sign of virginity. A qualified surgeon can remove part of the hymen and leave a thin layer that allows for menstruation to flow.

I was super nervous about my surgical appointment but the staff at Brooklyn Abortion Clinic and Dr. Dmitriy Bronfman were so nice! I had no pain during the surgical abortion procedure, woke up easily from anesthesia, and was well taken care of from the moment I walked in. I can’t thank everyone here enough and would definitely recommend this abortion clinic in Brooklyn!

Jennifer Kelly

Who Needs Hymenotomy?

A young woman requiring a hymenotomy usually has an imperforate, septate, or microperforate hymen. An imperforate hymen covers the entire vaginal opening. It usually has no holes or perforations. A septate hymen typically has two small holes parallel to each other on either side of the vaginal opening. A microperforate hymen generally features one or several very small holes. In all of these cases, a hymenotomy may be necessary to facilitate menstrual flow, make it possible for a woman to use a tampon, or to facilitate intercourse.

In some cases, young women with relatively normal hymens also require a hymenotomy. These patients usually have very thick or stiff hymens that may make intercourse very painful or impossible. Though a doctor usually removes the entire hymen, some women prefer part of the webbing be left in place. This may be a matter of personal preference or for religious reasons. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all value virginity in unmarried young women, and leaving part of the hymen behind may help the patient feel she is still living within the precepts of her upbringing.

What Should I Expect During a Hymenotomy?

Most hymenotomy procedures are done in a matter of hours. The woman usually undergoes anesthesia and the doctor numbs the vaginal opening. The physician then carefully cuts away part or all of the webbing covering the vaginal opening. The wounds are sutured closed and the young woman is instructed to keep the area clean and as dry as she can. Infections and inflammation are possible, but they’re relatively uncommon and usually very treatable.

What is the Recovery From a Hymenotomy?

After your hymen opening surgery, your doctor will prescribe you certain medications to help with recovery. This may include a topical cream to keep your stitches strong and prevent any infection. You can take over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription pain killer. Make sure not to take any aspirin after your hymen procedure as it may cause bleeding.

Don’t do any strenuous activity or have sex for about the first 6 weeks. Avoid using tampons during this time. You can resume your normal activity when you are fully healed.

To help speed up your recovery maintain a well-balanced diet. You can also use ice to reduce swelling. You can also take a warm sitz bath to help your stitches dissolve.

Visit our Surgical Abortion page for more information. You will also find critical tips regarding before and after your procedure.

SURGICAL

Brooklyn Abortion Clinic