Remove hymen from the doctor

It is possible to have the hymen removed by a doctor. This minor surgical procedure is called hymenectomy. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia.

A hymenectomy is necessary when the hymen completely closes the vaginal outlet (hymen imperforatus). It is also possible that a particularly stable hymen, which hardly stretches at all, causes permanent pain during sex or when inserting tampons. Even then a hymenectomy is indicated. In order to avoid pain during the first sexual intercourse, it is not performed. The hymen only tears in every second woman anyway, and the pain is usually not very strong and passes quickly.

Does one injure the hymen with a tampon?

In order to insert a tampon, the hymen must be passed, since it is only about 1-2 cm behind the vaginal entrance. However, a tampon should be inserted about one hand width wide, although there are great individual differences. However, pushing a tampon past the hymen usually poses hardly any risk of injury to the hymen, if a few measures are observed.

The tampon should be inserted carefully, slowly and without force. In addition, care must be taken to use the correct tampon size – then wearing a tampon is also much more comfortable. The hymen is very elastic and usually expands when a tampon is inserted.

In healthy women there is always an opening through which the tampon can pass. It is theoretically possible that the hymen is injured by a tampon, but whether this really happens is scientifically controversial. In some women the hymen does not have an opening (hymen atresia).

This is a condition that requires treatment, because no menstrual blood can flow out. If a tampon is to be inserted nevertheless, this is often not successful. In this case a gynecologist should be consulted.This also applies if inserting or removing a tampon is associated with great pain or difficulties.

Can the hymen tear during sports?

Whether the hymen can tear during sports is scientifically controversial. On the one hand, the hymen is very elastic and lies relatively protected behind the labia pudendi. On the other hand, it is conceivable that intense sporting activity could lead to severe stretching and possibly tearing. However, it should be noted that the hymen of healthy women always have openings anyway. A tear is therefore often hardly distinguishable from a natural opening, especially because hymen have very variable shapes.