‘Doing hymen reconstruction’: an analysis of perceptions and experiences of Flemish gynaecologists

Abstract Background Hymen reconstruction (HR) involves the restoration of the hymeneal membrane’s gross anatomical integrity. Among the medical profession, hymen reconstruction receives particular attention and its necessity is debated because the surgery is not medically indicated, and often reveals conflicting social norms on virginity and marriageability between health professionals and their patients. The focus of this paper is not to address the many open questions that the ethics and politics around HR reveal, but rather aims at contributing to the much-needed empirical evidence. It pres... Mehr ...