The hymen, a tissue membrane consisting of elastic and fibrous tissue, partially covers or surrounds the vaginal opening as part of the vulva (external genitalia). It partially covers the opening (introitus) of the vagina in most girls. The social function of the hymen, has been and still is a mythical symbol of virginity across many cultures.

Rupture of the hymen normally occurs during first intercourse or during sports activities like bicycling, horseback riding, gymnastics, etc. Inserting tampons also causes rupture of the hymen. In younger women, the hymen is very vascular. In menopausal women it has become very thin. In adult virginal women, the hymen surrounds the vaginal opening more or less completely.

The hymen repair procedure is done on an outpatient basis in a hospital under local or general anesthesia. In a simple repair the tissue is simply pulled together and sutured. The result is not meant to last. In this type of surgery, definite healing is rare because the hymen is relatively avascular. When the hymenal leftover are insufficient repair is done by approximating the undermined hymen remnants or a vaginal flap.

The surgeon uses dissolvable sutures (stitches) to reconnect the hymen's torn membrane and partially cover the opening to the vagina. There is a minimal risk of infection or complications (as with any surgical procedure) and the entire procedure takes just one to two hours. The recovery time is four to six weeks, after which the patient may engage in all normal activities.