NHS offers hymen repair ops
NHS offers hymen repair ops
Women are being given controversial "virginity repair" operations on the NHS, it has emerged.
24 hymen replacement operations took place between 2005 and 2006, and increasing numbers of women are paying up to £4,000 in private clinics for the procedure.
Dr Magdy Hend, consultant gynaecologist at the Regency Clinic, Harley Street, London, who started hymen reconstruction more than 18 years ago, said "In some cultures they like to see that the women will bleed on the wedding night. If the wife or bride is not a virgin, it is a big shame on the family."
Dr Hend said he was surprised by the "very good response" to the service and said there is "big competition on the market".
Most of his clients are in their teens or early 20s.
Dr Hend said demand is increasing, particularly from UK residents.
The operation can involve suturing of a tear in the hymen, such as might be caused by sexual assault, to help healing.
But it can also be conducted as a purely cosmetic procedure. A membrane is constructed, sometimes including a capsule of an artificial blood-like substance.
This operation is intended to be performed within a few days before an intended marriage.
Virginity repair operations have become a source of controversy in France, where gynaecologists report a growing number of requests from women.
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