Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Hymenotomy

1 May, 2009
Question:

Several years ago, I had a hymenotomy to remove a thick layer of tissue covering my vaginal opening. My period was not obstructed by my thick hymen, but I was not able to use a tampon. In the surgery a thick piece of tissue connecting the two sides of my hymen was removed, and the remaining part of my hymen was left. Is it considered that my hymen is already broken and I would not have to separate from my husband on my wedding night after relations?


Answer:

If a physician can state that the hymen was completely removed by surgery or due to injury, a woman does not have to keep the rules of dam betulim.  Given that part of your hymen remains in place, it is theoretically possible that what remains could bleed and you are still required to observe the halachot of dam betulim.

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