Diagnosed with a hernia and worried about sexual health? You might ask if an hernia causes erectile dysfunction (ED). Let’s look into this and find out what’s true.
A hernia is not likely to directly cause ED. Yet, when it comes to inguinal hernias, we need to think about certain aspects.
Key Takeaways:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not directly caused by hernia.
- Inguinal hernias may have a temporary impact on sexual function due to their location.
- Hernia repair surgery can actually improve sexual function.
- Consult with a healthcare professional if concerns with sexual function arise.
- Proper treatment of hernias can prevent potential complications.
The Impact of Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery on Sexual Function
A study with 4,884 people showed that some men felt pain and had trouble with sex after hernia repair. Sexual dysfunction was hard to complete intercourse. But, these issues often get better with time.
However, other studies show a positive side. In 2016, a research found that men’s sexual function was better post-surgery. They noted that issues like pain or bulges before surgery could hurt sex function. But, surgery helped, especially as time went on. So, surgery can boost sexual function.
While pain and sex troubles can happen after surgery, they’re usually short-lived. In fact, operations can sometimes make things better for men, sexually.
Temporary Nature of Pain and Sexual Dysfunction
Pain and sex problems ease up afterwards. The body just needs time to heal, causing some discomfort. But, things tend to get better as you heal. It’s key to talk with your doctor if you’re worried. They can help and support you.
Improvement in Sexual Function
Various studies highlighted the surgery’s good side for sex health. It fixes pain and hernia bulges, making sex better. This surgery corrects problems, boosting sex health and happy times.
In the end, for some, surgery could mean a short time of hurt and sex issues. But these often improve. And sometimes, the surgery makes sex better. It’s key to share your doubts or questions with your doctor. They can guide and support you through it.
Inguinal Hernias and Sexual Function
Studies show most patients see big improvements in sexual function after getting their hernias fixed. This includes a better sexual drive, improved erections, and more satisfaction. It usually happens 3 to 6 months after they have a laparoscopic surgery. This surgery can be done in different ways, as TAPP or TEP, using different mesh types. But the results for sexual satisfaction and function are usually similar.
So, surgery for inguinal hernias can really help people feel better about their sex life. Their sex drive, ability to get erections, and overall happiness with their sex life goes up. And this seems to be true no matter the specific surgery or mesh type.
Hernia Repair and Pain Affecting Sexual Function
There are two main types of hernia repair: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses smaller cuts and is gentler on the body, leading to less pain and quicker healing.
Yet, some studies indicate that those who get the laparoscopic surgery might have more trouble with sex after. After surgery, some pain and discomfort near the groin and scrotum might be felt during sexual activity. Still, this kind of pain usually goes away after a few months, improving sex life.
Surprisingly, pain during sex often drops after hernia repair. This means that fixing a hernia could make sex feel better for some people.
Inguinal Hernias and Male Fertility
Inguinal hernias, especially incarcerated ones, can lead to severe issues affecting male fertility. When incarcerated hernias happen, it’s possible for the blood supply to the testicles to be cut off. This affects sperm production and may lower the sperm count. In some cases, a hernia can also harm the vas deferens, the tube carrying mature sperm, causing issues with sperm flow during ejaculation. It’s key to note that hernias don’t change the testicles’ size in general.
Surgery to fix a hernia can help a lot. It can reconnect the blood vessels, restoring proper blood flow to the testicles and scrotum. So, males don’t have to worry that hernia surgery will make them infertile.
Sexual Activity After Hernia Repair
Some people may feel pain in their groin and scrotum before and after hernia surgery. Studies show a decrease in sexual activity after such surgery. Most patients recover from this pain within a few months if the surgery goes well.
After minimally invasive surgery, many patients see less sexual pain. Some, however, might still feel a bit of discomfort during sex. But, for most, this is not a big issue and can be handled well. Generally, having hernia repair surgery will not cause big changes in your sex life over time.
Conclusion
So, hernias and erectile dysfunction are not directly linked. Some people might have temporary issues after. But, this often gets better with time. For many, hernia repair surgery might even improve sex life, including desire and satisfaction.
Having inguinal hernias doesn’t mean you’ll be less fertile. And, fixing them won’t hurt your ability to make sperm. This means you shouldn’t put off surgery to fix a hernia. It might help your sexual health and keep other problems away.
If you’re worried about sex after hernia surgery, don’t be shy to talk to your doctor. They can help with advice and treatments for any ongoing issues.
Source Links
- https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/content/hernia-affect-sexual-performance
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-a-hernia-cause-erectile-dysfunction
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4986302/