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The Fenton’s procedure (also called Fenton's repair) is an operation to remove scar tissue and widen the vaginal opening when a woman experiences persistently painful sexual intercourse.
Health problems that may require a Fenton’s procedure include:
• Lichen planus of the vulva or vagina
• Lichen sclerosus of the vulva
• Previous surgery on the genitals that results in painful intercourse
• Childbirth tears
• Episiotomy complications
If the genitals become scarred through a skin disease or trauma such as episiotomy, the scar tissue can cause narrowing of the vagina. In severe cases, it can obstruct the vulva altogether, completely preventing sexual intercourse.
For women with less severe cases, intercourse may be possible but will be painful and sore. Sometimes, there is no disease or scarring present, but the woman has been born with a vagina that is too small for comfortable intercourse or tampon insertion.
How is the Operation Carried Out?
A cut is made at the vaginal entrance, vertically towards the rectum and then stitched horizontally. This widens the opening to the vagina. It is usually done under a general anesthetic as a day case surgery.
Post-Operative Information
You will need pain relief afterwards as the recovery can be painful and you should take over the counter painkillers for a week or so afterwards. However, it’s not supposed to be severely painful so if you are in a lot of pain you should mention it to your doctor.
You can also relieve pain and swelling by applying ice packs to the area. Salt baths can be commenced 48 hours after your surgery. These may assist healing.
Check with your doctor, if you wish to use alternative therapies. Arnica homeopathy can be helpful in taking the sting out of the wound.
Stitches are dissolvable so you won’t have to put up with any discomfort having them removed from your most sensitive area.
It is advisable not to try and have intercourse for six weeks afterwards or later if you aren’t comfortable.
Side Effects
All operations have risks and although many women find that the Fenton’s procedure helps them, there can be complications. These include excessive bleeding during surgery, requiring an extra stitch to be put in, infection requiring antibiotics and stitches can sometimes burst open if the woman has put too much strain on the area and not rested properly after surgery.
Sometimes the incision site can develop scar tissue and become sore so that you end up with a problem the operation was intended to fix. This is, however, unusual.
To read other women’s experiences with the Fenton’s procedure, please see this website: Medhelp - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Womens-Health/Fentons-repair---what-is-it/show/26291/
Sources:
FENTONS VAGINOPLASTY, Malcolm Frazer Gynaecologist. Web. 8 March 2012. http://www.malcolmfrazer.com.au/Miscellaneous%20Procedures/Fentons%20Vaginoplasty.pdf
Incision of introitus of vagina / Fenton’s procedure, John Fairbank Gynaecologist. Web. 8 March 2012.
http://www.johnfairbank.co.uk/operations/p1400.html
Arnica. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)Web. 8 March 2012. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/arnica-000222.htm
Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/
She is author of the book, "Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation", and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting.
Reviewed March 8, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment17 Comments
I am waiting for my appointment to come through. I am a bit scared as not sure what to expect. Iv never had an operation before and I don't like needles. Glad I finally found a cure after waiting 9 months to
August 29, 2013 - 3:47amGet to this point. Going back and forth to doctors and gynocology. Do I need to take anything to hospital with me??
Thanx in advance
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Hi, only thing you should require is some pads as there will be a little bleeding to follow but nothing serious. Will subside within a day or so. You will likely be more uncomfortable than in pain following, but just follow your surgeons advice. I have since had my six week check and can confirm that my husband and I have been able to resume sexual relations without any discomfort, so I am relieved that this procedure worked for me. Good luck, relax and don't stress yourself. You will be in competent hands.
August 29, 2013 - 6:39pmThis Comment
My procedure last week went very well. I have not needed any pain relief following. Have felt more uncomfortable initially than in pain. Two days after starting having salt baths which certainly aided this. A week and a bit later, feeling good, stitches starting to itch just a little and I go back to see my specialist in six weeks. Fingers crossed it has worked and good luck to any other ladies considering or requiring this procedure.
July 4, 2013 - 9:30pmThis Comment
I am about to have this procedure this afternoon, so am pleased to have found some comments on how other women have found it. Thank you for sharing and I will come back and update later.
June 24, 2013 - 6:49pmThis Comment
I had this procedure done a week ago and for the first 5 days I had no pain but for a couple of days I had like a tightening of stitches that were a little uncomfortable. Hoping all will be OK in about 6 weeks. I have also been having salt baths everynight to soothe and has been good. This was suggested by my Doctor.
June 24, 2013 - 5:35pmThis Comment
I had this done 3 days ago and in absolute agony although I was told I couldn't bathe till wound had healed and reading here now actually I can. I have been taking 30/500 cocodomol and 400 ibuprofen and have just invested in a child's inflatable swim ring to sit on. Pain seems to ease a little as no pressure.
May 10, 2013 - 1:40pmThis Comment
I had this done on Wednesday. I have had no pain whatsoever, until today, the fourth day. Even so it is mild and intermittent - does the anaesthetic perhaps take a long time to wear off??
April 13, 2013 - 9:37pmI think I must have been lucky. I have heaps of pain relief prescribed but so far have not opened the packets except to count how many morphine pills there were - 20!
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