If a thin membrane is all it takes to satisfy society’s lust for virgin brides, why not let doctors fix it? Shalini Bhardwaj finds out that hymenoplasty is as popular as pre-marital sex.
“I bet you’re worried. I was worried. I was worried about vaginas. I was worried about what we think about vaginas, and even more worried that we don’t think about them.” Eve Ensler, Vagina Monologues
Pooja moved from Punjab to Delhi at the age of 24, excited about the prospect of living independently. For six years, she enjoyed the freedom to do as she pleased with her time, money and body. She also dated a couple of men but these affairs were never intended to end up in marriage. Her future husband could only be someone from her convervative community, with whom her family would arrange a match.
So, as easily as she decided everything else during this phase, she took the decision to go to a plastic surgeon for a minor elective procedure. A nip here and a tuck there, and she rose from the operating table a virgin again.
Was it painful? She brushes aside the query. “I come from a family where I can’t talk or about my sexuality with my parents. I can’t share with them that I’m not a virgin. So I chose to get this done,” says Pooja.
Perhaps she accepts the wisdom of the aphorism: No pain, no gain. Why let a ruptured membrane jeopardise your entire future?
This story is from the April 15 2016 edition of Tehelka.
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This story is from the April 15 2016 edition of Tehelka.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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