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Citation |
van Moorst BR, van Lunsen RH, van Dijken DK, Salvatore CM. Eur. J. Contracept. Reprod. Health Care 2012; 17(2): 93-105. |
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Affiliation |
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Lucas/Andreas Hospital , Amsterdam , the Netherlands. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
22292534 |
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Abstract |
Objective To study the backgrounds of women requesting hymen 'repair', to assess the effects of extensive counselling, and the effects of hymen reconstruction. Methods A two-centre qualitative study, consisting of a semi-structured interview, education, discussion of alternatives, and instructions for self-examination (first visit), educational examination (second visit), decision on operation or alternative (third visit), and follow-up (fourth visit). Results Eighty-two women were interviewed at first visit. Sixty-eight women were followed until their decision to be operated upon or not. Forty-eight percent of all subjects reported a history of sexual violence, and 37% had had one or more abortions. Only 29% eventually decided to be operated. Seventeen of the 19 women who submitted to an operation and attended the follow-up visit reported no blood loss at first marital intercourse. Conclusions Most women requesting hymen reconstruction had a history complicated by critical life events related to their request. All women were afraid they would not bleed and/or would not be 'tight' enough during the wedding night. For 75% of the women empowerment by means of extensive counselling resulted in a decision against operation. Hymenoplasty alone does not help women because most operated women will not bleed and because they often also have to prove to be 'tight' enough. Language: en |