Hymenorrhaphy

Hymenorrhaphy, also called hymen reconstruction surgery, is the surgical alteration of the hymen with the aim of producing bleeding during intercourse and a tight vaginal opening, in the false belief that this indicates virginity. It is not possible to determine whether someone is a virgin from the appearance of the hymen or the tightness of the vagina, and roughly half of women do not bleed the first time they have vaginal intercourse regardless. Hymenorrhaphy is not regarded as part of mainstream gynecology and is not generally taught or regulated by the medical profession, though it is offered by some plastic surgery centers and is particularly practiced in some Middle Eastern countries, notably Iran.