Hymenoplasty
Day 20 after hymenoplasty: the sea, the pool and what comes next
Day 20 · permanent hymenoplasty, flap technique
You are on the last page of this day-by-day guide. Over twenty days you have left the periods for pressurized water and movement behind you one by one. This last page was prepared so that you can see the remaining topics in one place.
Today we bring three topics together: how the sea rule ends with day 20, why the pool is still waiting and the state of the stitches. At the end, we also explain whom to consult once the guide is over.
The sea: once day 20 is complete
The rule says no sea before day 20. Today is day 20; once this day is complete, the period the rule covers ends. Have your doctor confirm on which day you can first go into the sea, that is, whether it is today or from tomorrow. If your doctor set a later day for you, you plan your sea trip according to that day.
The pool still waits for the follow-up examination
Completing day twenty does not bring a new permission for the pool. The pool is not recommended until complete healing is seen at the follow-up examination. If your check-up has not yet taken place, leave your pool plans until after that examination. Remembering that the sea and the pool are not allowed on the same day is useful, especially for those planning a holiday.
The stitches and movement
The stitches stay on the tissue for 25–35 days on average; their being in place on day 20 is consistent with this average. The 15-day movement rule has generally ended. If you were given a longer period or your order for returning to sport was set, your doctor's plan remains valid. Do not stretch the area in front of a mirror to see the stitches; there is a risk of harming yourself.
After this guide
The guide ends on day 20, but the follow-up of the healing continues with the follow-up examination. For any further questions, the person to turn to is your doctor. Your daily life has carried on since the first day; the few remaining topics are settled at the examination. If you do not know the date of your follow-up examination, calling the clinic today to find out is a good last step. A discharge that smells different, is yellow or is persistent needs a check-up whatever day you are on.
Do today
- Before going into the sea, ask your doctor which is the first suitable day.
- Go to your follow-up examination; if it has not been done, make an appointment.
- Keep passing your questions on to the clinic even after the guide ends.
Avoid today
- Do not go into a pool without the follow-up examination.
- Do not stretch the area to see the stitches.
- Do not drop restrictions you were given specifically just because twenty days have passed.
Call us if
- If after day twenty you still see a discharge that is yellow, has an unusual smell or that you cannot identify, and it does not stop, a check-up is needed.
- If something does not feel right before or after going into the sea, call the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go into the sea 20 days after hymenoplasty?
No sea before day 20; once day 20 is complete, the period of this rule is over. Ask your doctor exactly on which day you can first go in, because some patients may need an additional restriction. If you were given a later date, that date applies.
Can I go into a pool on day 20?
It is not recommended. For the pool the measure is not a number of days but the follow-up examination; the pool is never recommended before complete healing is seen. If your check-up has taken place, follow what your doctor said that day; if it has not, complete your appointment first. Reaching day twenty does not remove this rule.
My stitches are still there on day 20; is that normal?
The stitches stay on the tissue for 25–35 days on average, so their still being in place on day 20 is consistent with this average. If anything about the stitches looks different to you, show your doctor instead of doing anything yourself. Stretching the area in front of a mirror is not recommended.
This page is for general information only; it does not replace an examination or your doctor's advice. Some patients may need additional restrictions. The durations and rules your doctor gives you always take priority over those on this page.
References
- A new surgical technique of hymenoplasty. Wei SY, et al. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2015.
- Hymenoplasty and Muslim Patients: Islamic Ethico-Legal Perspectives. Bawany MH, et al. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2017.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: