Muslim society, which is deeply influenced by cultural, traditional, and religious values, generally prohibits premarital intercourse. Pakistan is also another Muslim country where a similar sentiment is prevalent.
Women in Pakistan these days are getting educated and also coming under Western influence. Despite that, loss of virginity because of consensual sexual activity or any sexual abuse can be a matter of shame for the woman and also her family.
Therefore, choosing the option for hymenoplasty in Pakistan can be a risky proposition for a woman. In a few cities like Karachi and Lahore, facilities do exist, and a few clinics can perform hymenoplasty.
However, most Pakistani women prefer to go to some other country for this purpose due to factors such as:
- Reliability and confidentiality
- Reflecting the complex interplay of cultural norms
- Privacy concerns
- Healthcare accessibility in the region.
Hymenoplasty Surgery
Hymenoplasty, also known as hymenorrhaphy or hymen restoration surgery, involves reconstructing the thin, half-moon-shaped membrane at the vaginal opening. This cosmetic procedure repairs a ruptured hymen due to various factors like:
- Sports
- Tampons
- Sexual activity
Typically lasting 30-40 minutes with local anaesthesia, it is nearly painless and highly effective. Patients can return home the same day, experiencing mild discomfort initially, alleviated with prescribed pain relief medication.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Hymen repair is a typically straightforward procedure, usually conducted under local anaesthesia, with general anaesthesia as an option if needed. Anaesthesia ensures no pain during the surgery. Post-procedure, some women may encounter slight discomfort, but it is generally mild, short-lived, and can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications.
How long is the Hymen Repair Surgery?
The procedure itself is swift, lasting 30-40 minutes. Broken tissue fragments are painlessly stitched together with dissolvable sutures. The result will be permanent. Hymen repair does not tighten the vagina, although a vaginal tightening procedure can be done concurrently.
The procedure leaves no visible scars, resulting in virtually no distinction between a naturally intact hymen and one repaired via hymenoplasty. Therefore most women from Pakistan travel to Dubai for hymenoplasty surgery. Dr. Nazmi Baycin, based at Dubai, conducts hymenoplasty procedures. Patients undergo comprehensive consultations before the procedure to address their individual needs and develop a suitable surgical plan.
How long is the recovery?
Hymen repair may result in minimal discomfort and soreness, but it is an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. Most patients can leave the surgical centre same day, also travel the next day and resume work within one to two days.
Soreness may persist for a few days as sutures dissolve during tissue healing. Complete recovery typically spans two weeks, during which patients are advised to avoid sexual intercourse and potentially damaging physical activities until tissue healing is complete.
Many women have hymen repair surgery done solely for their own benefit. In contrast to other cosmetic procedures, hymenoplasty is undetectable to the public. Hymenoplasty, for personal, religious, or cultural reasons, can be a transformative procedure, restoring confidence and sexual health.