A comparison

A little comparison, to have a debate.

A sizeable share of teenage girls have a tight hymen, which makes it difficult for her to use tampons - much to the incomprehension of women who have never had that problem and don't understand why tampons would be an issue. This is highly traumatic for some girls (I've told here the story of my sister, forced to use tampons to attend swimming classes).

This tight hymen may make first sexual intercourse painful and unsatisfying, and in some cases the problem may persist even after several penetrations. Remediation is surgery (removal of the remains of the hymen), but many of the women with that problem do not dare talk about this to a doctor, or delay the procedure, depriving them and their partners from sexual gratification. In any case this is a highly embarrassing surgery to request. Also, even in countries where sexual relations are legal for minors and a 17 year old girl could want it, it is highly embarrassing for a young woman to discuss such issues with their parents.

In some rarer cases, the hymen may be imperforate. This makes the first episodes menstruation painful, and is an indication for surgery. Needless to say, this is quite traumatic.

One could therefore argue that all would be simpler if the hymen was removed under local anesthesia, at an early age when it would be a big deal and the surgery would not be remembered.

Such a suggestion would seem shocking to most people. Yet, some of the same kind of arguments are used to promote routine circumcision of males.

What do you think?

Is there anything to compare??

If a procedure such as hymenotomy was needed it is purely functional and although there are medical reasons by and large male circumcision is cultural thing.

I presume part of the external exam performed at annual visit looks that there is a patent hymen rather then imperforate etc??

Ethan: True, routine infant male circumcision is a cultural phenomenon. However its proponents say that circumcision prevents some problems that can occur in teenage years and later, such as the consequences of phimosis (possible balanitis, possible difficulties in intercourse). I argue that similar arguments could be brought in favor of routine hymenotomy (it prevents possible problems occuring later: imperforate hymen, difficulties in using tampons, difficulties in intercourse). That nobody argues in favor of routine hymenotomy with such arguments, to me, illustrates the highly cultural aspects in these phenomena: the hymen is seen as tissue to preserve (traditionally, until the wedding night).

The hymen represents for many women the symbol of virginity, even if it should be defined otherwise. To remove it could be considered a loss of this virginity. As with circumcision, we must not ignore the cultural aspect. Touching these parts of the body is not only a medical act.

I think any procedure done that is unnecessary at the time, serves no benefit at the time, and is decided by someone other than the person affected, is a breach of trust and confidence.

Also, doctors aren't perfect and do screw up. Imagine having damaged genitals for life because of someone other than you deciding to change your hymen or foreskin "just in case" there's a problem when you get older. Just doesn't make sense for either gender.

If the hymen is too tight, address it then. If the penis has phimosis, address it then. I can't stand the "it might be a problem later", "it could cause issues in the future", "it can prevent possible problems later". Ridiculous. How often are appendixes removed these days? Used to be done at the drop of a hat. Tonsils? Same. Good chance I might need a tooth pulled in the future too, or a severe hangnail, better get rid of them now so I don't have the trauma later. It's sad and disturbing that something so damaging and generally unnecessary became a cultural norm.

Don't screw around with other people's future sexuality, your kids included - especially for weak reasons ("I want him to look like me" is probably the worst - your kid shouldn't be seeing your dick regularly enough to know the difference, IMHO, if he does, just tell him why).

More education for young boys and girls about what's normal and abnormal, proper hygiene, normal function, etc., would make it easier to be discussed if there ever is an issue or problem. Chances are, for the vast majority, there may never be a need to cut a hymen or foreskin.

Otherwise, this should be a personal choice or legitimate medical reason. If someone likes the look, the feel, etc., and want to change what they have - their decision.

But how many devices and blogs are there about guys angry at their parents for circumcising them and are trying to stretch skin back to have something like a foreskin again? There's a reason for that. They feel wronged, robbed, and assaulted.

My 2 cents - I know there are strong opinions on either side. Sorry about the vent lol.