Hymenorrhaphy

Hymenorrhaphy or "hymen reconstruction surgery" is the surgical alteration of the hymen, with the goal of producing bleeding on intercourse and a tight vaginal introitus, falsely believed to indicate virginity. The term comes from the Greek words hymen meaning "membrane", and raphḗ meaning "suture". It is also known as hymenoplasty, although strictly this term would also include hymenotomy.^{[citation needed]}

The normal aim is to cause bleeding during post-nuptial intercourse, which in some cultures is wrongly considered proof of virginity. Roughly half of women having vaginal intercourse for the first time do not bleed; a small study found that of 19 women who underwent hymenorrhaphy and attended follow-up, 17 did not have bleeding at the next intercourse.^[1]

It is also based on the false belief that there are "intact" and "broken" hymens, distinct in appearance or feel. It is not possible to determine whether someone is a virgin by the appearance of their hymen or the tightness of the vagina.^[2][1]

Hymenorrhaphies are not generally regarded as part of mainstream gynecology, but are available from some plastic surgery centers, particularly in the United States, Middle East, South Korea and Western Europe, generally as outpatient surgery.^{[citation needed]} Hymenorraphy is considered a form of cosmetic surgery, and is not generally accepted, taught, or regulated by the medical profession.^[1]