An artificial hymen is a false hymen that is created to appear intact again. The artificial hymen is made of a gelatinous material that contains artificial blood. So that during sexual intercourse, the blood-red liquid will break and flow like blood.
The production of artificial hymen has been controversial. In some countries, the notion of virginity is still defined with the hymen intact when first having sex. Whereas according to medical science, not all women have an intact hymen and not all hymen bleed when having sex for the first time. In addition to the artificial hymen, there are surgical techniques that aim to restore the integrity of the hymen. This surgical technique is known as hymenorrhaphy.
Hymenorrhaphy, Hymen Replacement Surgery
Hymenorrhaphy or also known as hymenoplasty is surgery to restore the hymen so that it returns to its full shape. Hymenorrhaphy belongs to the category of female genital (vaginal) cosmetic plastic surgery, or aesthetic gynecological surgery.
Hymen surgery is done by sewing back the remnants of the hymen that have been torn or damaged. Generally, the doctor will give a local anesthetic before hymenorrhaphy is performed. After anesthesia, the doctor will suture the inner and outer layers of the hymen until the membrane from back is similar to the original hymen. After the operation, the hymen will be cleaned with warm water and an antibiotic ointment will be applied to the suture line.
is Hymenorrhaphy Safe?
From a medical point of view, the procedure for inserting an artificial hymen or hymenorrhaphy actually has no clinical indication, and is more for aesthetic purposes or personal needs. Until now there is not enough research evidence as a basis for assessing the safety and complication rate of this procedure.
Likewise, studies of long-term satisfaction for women who have undergone this procedure. This may be because this procedure is still illegal and is criticized by the public in some countries. Several studies currently available discuss more about hymenorrhaphy in terms of ethics and applicable norms.
Therefore, patients should receive education beforehand about the lack of data that supports the safety of hymenorrhaphy and the possible complications that can occur. Complications in question can be in the form of scar tissue (scars), vaginal pain during intercourse, infection and tissue adhesions due to surgery.
Hymenorrhaphy or hymenoplasty can indeed be another option than using an artificial hymen. However, it is necessary to reconsider various aspects, including the medical, psychological, ethical, and prevailing norms before carrying out this procedure. Consult further with your doctor before undergoing the procedure, and make sure you do not do it in any place without the supervision of a doctor who is competent for this procedure.
