Surgeons have advised against hymen reconstruction surgery for women with bleeding disorders. They cautioned that such surgeries should be avoided, especially for women whose blood cannot clot properly. Bleeding disorders, a group of conditions where the blood cannot clot properly, make these surgeries risky.
Hymen reconstruction or repair surgery, commonly known as Hymenoplasty, is a procedure to either repair a torn hymen or reconstruct a missing one, as detailed by the Plastic Surgery Clinic, a Canada-based beauty clinic.
The hymen, a small, thin piece of tissue that surrounds or covers the vagina, is often associated with sexual inactivity and is believed to tear and cause bleeding during the first sexual activity, according to Cleveland Clinic, an online health portal.
The reasons for undergoing hymenoplasty vary, including religious and cultural beliefs, psychological and emotional relief following sexual abuse or trauma, as well as repairing an injured hymen caused by factors unrelated to sex. Some women also opt for the procedure to increase self-confidence, adhere to societal expectations of virginity, and address intimacy concerns.
Complications associated with hymenoplasty include bruising, swelling, hematomas, bleeding, discolouration of the hymen, numbness, intense pain, faintness, rare or foul-smelling discharge, excessive itching, irregular bleeding, and inflammation, as listed by Women’s Health Services of Maryland.
In Nigeria, hymenoplasty is not as popular as in Western countries. However, it is increasingly sought after, primarily by single women aiming to restore their perceived virginity and adhere to societal expectations.
While the artificial hymen resulting from hymenoplasty does not guarantee virginity, it is considered by some women to fulfill cultural and social norms. However, experts caution about the long-term outcomes and complications associated with these cosmetic procedures.
Women considering such surgical procedures are advised to undergo thorough medical examinations to assess the potential risks and implications on their overall health.