Hymenoplasty?
After several years of inability to use a tampon (or even insert my smallest finger, even when well-lubricated) I sought gynaecological advice. My problem was diagnosed as a microperforated hymen, the hole of which was so tiny that the head of a Q-tip wouldn't even fit through. Though extreme microperforations are often detected in puberty, as they can prevent normal menstruation, the difficulty that I sometimes had with heavy or thick flow was never considered abnormal, and so my problem remained essentially ignored until the second of two gynaecologists (note to the ladies here: if you feel like something is wrong, do get a second opinion!)
I recently had hymenoplastic surgery to open the hymen. Brandye mentioned that when performing that surgery she uses local anaesthetic, but my gynaecologist used general. He told me that it would take longer to put me out than it would to actually perform the surgery, since it was essentially two little snips. Indeed it did. I woke up about an hour later and was fine. As far as soreness or pain, the only discomfort that I felt could be likened to wearing a pair of jeans whose crotch seam was too tight- more a sense of rubbing against the labia than a feeling of pain at the entrance to the vagina, for whatever reason.
I was told to take it easy for six hours, to expect some spotting over the next few days (which I did experience,) not to use a tampon for the next week or so, and not to have sex for a week or two. Other than that, I could go back to my normal activities, including bicycling and horseback riding, as soon as I felt comfortable (which was essentially immediately.)
I wish that I had been more aggressive earlier on and sought a second opinion earlier, so that I could have had the procedure earlier this year and spent less time being sexually frustrated. I know that one of the reasons I held off was an unsurety about the procedure itself, and so I am posting this in hopes that it might reassure someone here who might be considering having it performed.
OP: JustAGirl 11/21/2007
Replies:
After my healing time was completely over, I attempted penetration again, using a variety of techniques: shower, masturbation, using a mirror, everything. I still found it impossible to even get a Q-Tip in. I got very depressed about it for a while, figuring I was just a "hopeless case" and feeling incredibly incompetent, not attempting anything for a while.
I eventually checked back with my gynecologist, who discovered the obvious; my vaginal muscles were very atrophied and weak from lack of use (and I appear to have a touch of vaginismus [involuntary muscle contraction] also).
My gyn gave me a sample of estrogen cream to use to strengthen the muscles, and after about a week of applying daily, I was finally able to insert something into my vagina!! It's been about three weeks now, of using the cream 4-5 times a week, and I can usually insert a light tampon, so long as I'm lying down and have plenty of time to ease into it. Today, after about fifteen minutes of easing, I even felt like I could attempt something larger. Maybe the boyfriend's fingers will be next...? :)
I'm certainly much, much more hopeful than I was before. It's amazing to actually feel like there's something down there, even if it's annoyingly difficult to locate at times. :p
OP: kate_luana 11/19/2008
When you first injure/damage/traumatize your body the first day or so is sore. Thereafter part of the healing process is the body's "inflammatory response". Your body realizes something has happened and kicks your immune system in to heal. This stimulates a myriad of symptoms; increased tenderness, swelling, redness. For about 5 days your body should do this to cause healing to occur; hence, the reason you were given pain meds.
As long as you are keeping the area clean & dry as possible, following the directions the MD gave you--should go down. If you notice any increase from what you have or abnormal discharge, foul smell, call the doc. You should notice some fluid which is clear and slightly bloody due to sutures. Any yellow or green discharge, fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit call the doc or go to the ER. Elimination will be uncomfortable, clean well & properly after. Some pain meds & anesthesia can cause constipation; a stool softener and plenty of water should help. If in doubt just put a call into the doc. It's normal to feel not so great & realize you have to also excrete all the anesthesia out of your body...drink lots of water.
The sutures you described dissolve on their own; your doc should have you in for a follow up to be certain all is well. Try to rest and just be easy on your body for a few days. You should be feeling better soon!
OP: sera300 05/02/2008
Thought that I might post an update- a semi-happy-ending, if you will- as I recently had the post-surgical follow-up appointment with the gynecologist.
I had not tried on my own to insert a tampon since the surgery, as I had had no reason to do so, and so the good doctor attempted to do so himself. I thought, "No problem, no barrier" and relaxed, only to be met with a near-complete encore of the same pain I'd experienced with the hymen actually intact. The doctor diagnosed the problem as an irritated vaginal region and prescribed dietary modifications to remove irritating substances from my urine, daily sitz-baths, and an anti-histamine. It occurred to me, as I walked out of his office, that the problem was more likely a combination of two things: one, I am extremely uncomfortable with most men; and two, as someone who spends quite a bit of time in a saddle with jeans on, my horseback-riding was probably the cause of the irritation. Because of that, I spent several days working myself up to it, and then finally attempted to insert a tampon on my own. Copious amounts of lubricant were required, and it was still rather painful, but for the first time- after approximately half my lifetime of attempts- I was able to insert something into my vagina.
If I spent the next several minutes smiling because of that, I will deny it.
Long story short is that it still hurts, but I'm more inclined to chalk that up to not being used to the feeling of penetration, and a rather tight vagina (despite being built on the scale of a draught horse everywhere else, much to my chagrin) than to any internal problems. My next goal is to get myself more used to the feeling, and be able to insert slightly larger objects (i.e., something more than the sort of tampon suggested for extremely light flow in slender teenaged girls) before the next gynecologic exam- which should be the first internal exam I've ever had, despite spending a good part of the last year going in and out of various doctor's offices.
OP: JustAGirl 01/12/2008