Procedure to stretch hymen - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Procedure to stretch hymen

January 24, 2007

Question

Can a never married 26 year old virgin have a surgical procedure to stretch the hymen, if the hymen is more closed than usual, in order to be able to insert a tampon for purposes of cleanliness and comfort? The patient's gynecologist has ascertained that hymen is more closed than usual, so she can't insert a tampon. (The gynecologist is an observant woman.)
Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer

Yes, a procedure to stretch the hymen in this case would be permissible.

If she wishes to consider an alternative to surgery, she might also consult with a urogynecological physical therapist or further consult her gynecologist to see if dilators would work in her case.