Do you also feel like you are bleeding a little bit for a few days during your period? Or is it very difficult to use a tampon? Maybe you also have this condition. It is not something to be afraid of, but it is very important to be aware. Today we will talk about this condition called `(Microperforate Hymen)`.
What is the hymen?
Simply put, the hymen is a thin layer of tissue that covers the opening of your vagina. It doesn't completely cover the vagina, but rather forms a ring around the opening. It's made up of tissue that's left over from when the vagina was formed when we were growing in the womb as embryos.
At birth, the hymen is somewhat thick, but over time, especially due to the effects of hormones, physical activity, or the use of tampons, it gradually becomes thinner and less elastic. For most people, the hymen is a ring around the opening of the vagina. Over time, it stretches naturally, sometimes tearing a little. Most of the time, there are no symptoms. The hymen is the same color as the skin around your vagina.
So what is this microperforate hymen?
Now, there's the hymen we talked about, where the opening of the vagina is almost completely covered, leaving only a very small hole, which is called a ``Microperforate Hymen''. This is very rare, meaning it doesn't happen to most people. This is a congenital condition, meaning it's something you're born with.
Imagine, normally there is an opening in the hymen that is large enough for menstrual fluid to pass through. But in a ``Microperforate Hymen'', that hole is very small. Although menstrual blood can pass through this small hole, it does so very slowly. This can cause some painful symptoms.
This is a variation of the condition called ``Imperforate Hymen.`` An ``Imperforate Hymen`` is when the hymen completely covers the vaginal opening, with no holes. The word ``micro'' refers to the very small hole in your hymen.
Is this condition (Microperforate Hymen) normal?
No, this is actually a very rare condition. It's not something that's seen often, or even recognized by doctors.
What are the symptoms of Microperforate Hymen?
This small hole in the hymen may not be large enough to allow blood and vaginal fluids to come out during menstruation. That's why various symptoms appear. See if these sound familiar to you:
- Menstruation lasting more than seven days: This is because the blood that comes out of that small hole is very heavy. Some people can go for up to 10 days.
- Complete cessation of menstruation (Amenorrhea): Sometimes the hole is so small that blood may not come out at all. In that case, menstruation will not occur at all.
- Difficulty inserting or removing a tampon: This is one of the first signs that many young women notice. When they try to insert a tampon, it feels like it won't go in, and it hurts.
- Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area: This pain can occur not only during menstruation, but also at other times. The reason for this is the pressure caused by the blood that accumulates inside.
- Infections due to bacteria entering the vagina: There is a risk of developing infections due to the lack of proper discharge.
You may not know you have a microperforated hymen until you have sexual intercourse. Symptoms of this condition include the inability to have vaginal intercourse, or excessive pain and bleeding during intercourse.
What is the reason for this?
This is something you're born with. No one knows exactly why this happens, but doctors know that it's something that happens when we're developing as fetuses in the womb, when the vagina is forming. That means there's nothing we can do to control it.
Can someone with a microperforate hymen be menstrually pure?
Yes, you can. That tiny hole in the hymen allows menstrual blood to flow out of the vagina. However, as I mentioned before, sometimes if that hole isn't big enough for the blood to come out, you may not have a period.
How do doctors detect this?
A microperforated hymen is diagnosed when a doctor visually examines your vulva, hymen, and vaginal opening. This condition can be seen as extra tissue around the vaginal opening, and a small hole in the hymen.
Some pediatricians diagnose it in infancy. However, it is most often diagnosed after puberty, when symptoms begin to appear due to menstrual problems.
How is Microperforate Hymen treated?
The good news is, there is a treatment for this.
Sometimes, especially during puberty, this small hole in the hymen can stretch, get a little bigger, and even tear. This happens because the body's hormone levels increase with age. This hymen can tear on its own, whether it's when you try to use a tampon or during sex. If it heals on its own, no treatment is usually needed. Once the extra tissue is gone, most people will have normal periods, be able to use tampons, and have sex without pain.
Hymenectomy surgery
But if it doesn't work on its own, this extra hymen is removed with a minor surgery called a `hymenectomy.` ** This is usually done in a hospital or operating room, under `general anesthesia`. This means that you are completely asleep during the surgery, so you don't feel any pain.
During a hymenectomy, a gynecologist uses scissors or a scalpel to cut away the excess hymen. Then, dissolvable stitches are used to sew the remaining edges of the hymen back to the vaginal wall. This creates a normal hymen and exposes the vaginal opening.
Long-term complications after this surgery are very rare. Most people recover quickly without any problems.
What are the possible complications during treatment?
As with any surgery, there are some risks involved in this ``Hymenectomy`` surgery. However, these are very rare.
- Inflammation or swelling
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Scar tissue formation
- Damage to the area around the hymen
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
The doctor will inform you thoroughly about these things before the surgery.
Are there any side effects after microperforate hymen repair?
The main side effects that may occur after treatment are pain in your vulvar area and discomfort until the wounds heal. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers for any pain you may have.
Can a microperforate hymen be prevented?
No. There is nothing you can do to control the shape of your hymen. It is formed while you are still in the womb. A ``Microperforate Hymen'' occurs when the hymen does not open completely during embryonic development. So don't worry about it.
Will my periods return to normal after treatment?
Yes, absolutely. After the treatment, you should be able to menstruate without any problems. Also, you can use tampons if you wish.
What should I do if I think I have a (Microperforate Hymen)?
If you think you may have a ``Microperforate Hymen'', see your doctor immediately. The first symptoms are usually prolonged or painful menstruation.
If you are diagnosed with a ``Microperforate Hymen'', it can be corrected with surgery. Sometimes, as I mentioned earlier, it can also go away on its own over time. Your doctor is the best person to advise you on this.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have pelvic pain, long and heavy menstrual bleeding, or other symptoms of a microperforated hymen, be sure to see a doctor.
If you have had surgery to repair a ``Microperforate Hymen'', notify your doctor if any of the following occur:
- If you have signs of infection, such as fever, pus-like discharge, or redness of the wound.
- If you feel like your vagina is closing up again.
Finally, remember this.
Microperforate hymen is a rare but treatable condition. So don't be unnecessarily afraid or embarrassed about it. Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. He/she will explain to you how to fix a microperforate hymen and what to expect after the surgery. After the hymen is removed, you will be able to have a painless period and have sex. You are not alone, and there are doctors who can help you with these problems.
` hymen, microperforate hymen, hymen, menstruation, gynecology, surgery, vagina
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