TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2012//
TI  - Backgrounds of women applying for hymen reconstruction, the effects of counselling on myths and misunderstandings about virginity, and the results of hymen reconstruction
JO  - European journal of contraception and reproductive health care
A1  - van Moorst, Bianca R.
A1  - van Lunsen, Rik H. W.
A1  - van Dijken, Dorenda K. E.
A1  - Salvatore, Concetta M.
SP  - 93
EP  - 105
VL  - 17
IS  - 2
N2  - 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.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1362-5187
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/13625187.2011.649866
ID  - ref1
ER  -