Hymen removal as an adult?

[mineofuselessinformation]

This is not me, but a close family member.
After having issues around tampons and penetrative sex (with associated pain), they have now found that what they knew was probably a partially imperforate hymen is now a very thick piece of tissue, with two holes - one at either side.
Does anyone have any experience of this please?
FYI, I'm not a troll, just concerned - you can confirm that with MNHQ if you feel the need.

It’s not common but it happens. I worked in Gynae some years ago and nursed several patients over the years. Usually a simple procedure under general anaesthetic, then the use of dilators to prevent scarring ‘closing’ things IYSWIM. It’s usual to scan the pelvis to ensure there are no other problems with the reproductive organs, just to be on the safe side.

I had this procedure done in my mid 20s. I had had years of issues with tampons and painful sex before finally getting the courage up to see a gynaecologist.
Turns out it was super simple to resolve. I had day surgery, I was only under anaesthetic for about half an hour while they snipped it. Discharged by lunchtime, had the standard thing of having to be supervised for 24 hours after a GA and was a bit sore peeing for a few days but now in my 30s I have no problems whatsoever.

Thank you @FadedRed and @Annanimity.
I guessed that it's a relatively simple procedure.
Family member has already seen a gynaecologist, who put it down mostly to vaginismus, but now it's very clear that's not the issue at all, just that the tissue is in the way.
A review isn't due for several months. Is it worth asking to be see sooner, do you think?

I expect that, unfortunately due to Covid, it’ll be quite a low priority for resolution. Hopefully she’ll get seen quickly and booked in for surgery without too long a wait. Mine was done within 3 weeks of being seen.

Yep had this. Had it removed as a v quick procedure on the nhs but think it’s probably much easier and quicker done privately. Had a similar procedure for adhesions after my first son and it was similarly as easy. Life changing knowing that it was all sorted and it’s not pleasant to deal with. I never knew or asked what caused it, but being 17 and sexually active (from a Catholic family) I blamed it on God not approving. Moved on from that. Good luck getting it done.

Thank you, @Annanimity.

And you too, @sarahC40.

I had this surgery privately about 15 years ago. Was just done under local with a consultant and the nurse and then my sister had to stay with me for 24 hours. Felt a bit uncomfortable but nothing too bad

I had it done when I was 18, not in the UK though. I was not able to use tampons nor have penetrative sex. In fact my gynaecologist told me he had never seen such a severe case as mine. The hymen was very thick and only had one tiny little hole in it. In those days my periods lasted over 10 days and that was because the blood couldn't pass really well. My uterus was heavily infected because of the blood that had stayed behind, which caused fertility issues later. In the end I had to stay in hospital for 3 days and had to have the hymen taken out under full anaesthesia. I had 36 stitches. It all healed very well and I never had issues with it after that (apart from the fertility problems)