Hymen Tearing in the Treatment of Vaginal Agenesis: Implications on Women in Turkey

J Transcult Nurs. 2014 Jul;25(3):303-6. doi: 10.1177/1043659614522649. Epub 2014 Feb 11.

Abstract

Rupture of the hymen before marriage is a significant problem for a woman and her family. The purpose of this article is to present a case report where hymen membrane perforation was required for vaginal agenesis in a 13-year-old adolescent, identify psychosocial issues related to the torn hymen in the Turkish culture, discuss gender inequality affecting health care of women with a torn hymen, identify the impact of a torn hymen on a Turkish woman's social status, and discuss health care implications for the woman and her family. The girl could not understand the situation and experienced feelings of guilt. The parents displayed an intense reaction of shock and denial after being informed about the disorder and treatment process and felt a sense of hopelessness about the future of their daughter. Nurses are expected to fulfill their training, counseling, and advocacy roles about this issue.

Keywords: hymen tearing; psychosocial problems; vaginal agenesis; virginity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Congenital Abnormalities / ethnology
  • Congenital Abnormalities / psychology*
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / psychology
  • Humans
  • Hymen / injuries*
  • Marriage / psychology
  • Sexual Abstinence / psychology*
  • Social Values*
  • Turkey / ethnology
  • Vagina / abnormalities*

Supplementary concepts

  • Vagina, absence of