Anfragen an Online-Ärzte über die Möglichkeit einer operativen Rekonstruktion des Hymens: Datenerhebung am Universitäts- und am Kinderspital Zürich

Abstract

The "reconstruction of the hymen"consists in a surgical suture of the seam of a hymen that has been fissured due to vaginal intercourse or other causes. This intervention aims at triggering bleeding on the occasion of the next intercourse, a phenomenon often required as proof of virginity within certain traditions. Valid data regarding this ethically and medically controversial and predominantly tabooissue is scarce. In an effort to further explore this practice, we have collected information about hymenorrhaphy from the databases of two anonymous, medical, online counselling services provided by the University Hospital Zürich, and explicitly for teenagers by the Children's Hospital Zürich. We found a sample of 22 questions from women seeking advice, and the results vividly illustrate the psycho-social dilemma these women face, prompting us to suggest that further ethical discussion, collection of empirical data and broad public education on issues related to sexuality are necessary.

How to deal with “cultural questions” in clinical ethics. The example of hymen reconstruction

“…Weit häufiger sind jedoch Hinweise darauf zu finden, dass Frauen mit konservativem, streng religiösem Hintergrund, wie etwa einem christlichen, jüdischen, orthodoxen, islamischen oder hinduistischen, eine Hymenrekonstruktion erwägen [40,48]. Für die jeweiligen Frauen oder ihre Familien ist es von großer Bedeutung, in der Hochzeitsnacht durch ein blutendes Hymen die Jungfräulichkeit zu "beweisen".…”