How to Ensure Your Hymenectomy Goes as Smooth as Possible

What is a hymenectomy? This somewhat simple procedure focuses on a mature female's hymen - the ring of skin that sometimes stretches across the opening of the vagina. The procedure either removes or widens this skin, most of the time because sexual intercourse has not been able to do so or because there is not enough opening for menstrual blood to flow out, by either removing or widening the opening of the hymen. Many women choose to get the procedure done because their hymen is unusually thick and sexual intercourse becomes uncomfortable or recurrent bladder infections are occurring due to the irritation from sexual activity.

If you have decided to undergo a hymenectomy, using a trained and skilled doctor, you may want to use these handy tips to be sure that your experience is as smooth as possible with as little anxiety as you can.

Wear something comfortable. It's much the same with any type of procedure or surgery - don't feel bad about walking in with your favorite sweats on... whatever you are comfortable in. You want to feel like you are at home and comfortable, and this can ease much anxiety.

Clean yourself before appointment. It may seem like a no-brainer, but when you are nice and scrubbed down in the shower you not only feel more confident about yourself all-around, but you can reduce any chance of infection "down there". Even though the doctors will be sure to clean you and disinfect you, you still need to take this important step.

Drink water the days before your procedure, and cut out alcohol, caffeine, and citrus drinks. Why is this so important? Because those types of drinks are irritants to the bladder, and you will find that when your hymenectomy is completed, urination is going to be a bit painful and burning. By cutting out those irritating drinks, and sticking to water, you can make your urine flow feel at least a little better. Try to keep this up even after the procedure is over because urination can be painful up to two months after the procedure.

Are you an in-patient or an out-patient? You may be an in-patient if you have a condition called vulvar-vestibulitis in which the piece of flesh that needs to be removed actually has nerve endings in it and will therefore require sedation for the procedure. Make sure you find out all the information about how your procedure will be handled. It may be you have to stay in a hospital for a day or so. If this is the case, make sure to bring a change of clothes, some makeup or other personal items, and make sure to inform your friends or family.

Have someone with you, for transportation and support. It's always great to have either your husband, your best girlfriend, your mom, or someone else you trust and can lean on there with you the whole time. Don't ask someone to just drop you off and pick you up - make sure they can be there by your side the whole time. You will most likely be put under some form of sedation, which can make you feel a little bit anxious, so it's good to have this person with you for support and to know they "have your back" as the saying goes.

With these tips, your hymenectomy will be a smooth, anxiety-free procedure!