Does inguinal hernia repair have an effect on sexual functions?

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to evaluate sexual functions which are affected by inguinal hernias and may change after hernia repair surgery.Material and methodsA total of 47 patients who underwent Lichtenstein tension-free anterior repair and inguinal hernia surgery were evaluated in terms of erectile function, intercourse function, sexual desire, overall satisfaction and orgasm satisfaction using the International Index of Erectile function questionnaire (IIEF) scoring system before surgery and in the first and sixth months after surgery. Parameters evaluated with the IIEF score before the surgery and in the first and sixth months after surgery were compared statistically using the Wilcoxon test.ResultsThe average age of patients was 46.2 ±11.2 years (range: 22–67). It was determined that all scores, apart from sexual desire (p = 0.08), significantly increased in the postoperative first and sixth months compared to the preoperative period. It was measured that the preoperative sexual desire score increased significantly in the postoperative sixth month (p <0.001). A significant score was also detected when all scores in the postoperative sixth month were compared to the postoperative first month.ConclusionsInguinal hernia surgery positively affects sexual functions compared to the preoperative period. The improvement in sexual parameters in addition to the benefits of hernia removal and presence of no significant postoperative complications indicates that this surgery is useful and safe.

Comparison of the impact of open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia operations on male sexual function and pain during sexual activity

“…This result consisted of the literature. As stated in the article of (Sonmez et al, 2016 ), we believe that the presence of hernia and pain may have a negative impact on erectile function.…”

“…In international literature, Sonmez et al reported that 85.1% of the patients with inguinal hernia had sexual dysfunction in their series (Sonmez et al, 2016). Although Ertan et al and El-awady et al did not report a prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with inguinal hernia, preoperatively.…”

“…postoperative sixth month compared with the preoperative period(Sonmez et al, 2016). El-awady et al evaluated sexual function in 40 male patients that underwent inguinal hernia surgery with the LH technique and observed that the IIEF-15 scores of the patients increased at the postoperative third and ninth months (El-Awady & Elkholy, 2009).…”