The impact of hemorrhoidectomy on sexual function in women: a preliminary study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of sexual problems in posthemorrhoidectomy females. The study consisted of a surgical group and a control group of women between the ages of 22 and 74 years, 39 with and 39 without hemorrhoidectomy. Female sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The level of sexual function was calculated for each domain and compared across domains and demographic variables for each group. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among the post-hemorrhoidectomy participants was 48.7% (19/39) and among the healthy women 7.7% (3/39). The average FSFI score was significantly lower in the surgical group (46.38 ± 28.13) than in the control group (65.69 ± 18.48) (P ¼ 0.001). All the FSFI domain scores, with the exception of the desire domain, were significantly lower for the surgical group relative to the healthy group (Po0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that group (P ¼ 0.001) and age (P ¼ 0.013) were predictors of problems in female sexual functioning. This preliminary study shows that women who have had a hemorrhoidectomy are at higher risk of sexual function problems. The sexual function of women with hemorrhoidectomy should be evaluated to provide them with a better quality of life.

An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female anorectal dysfunction

“…The psychological factors including emotional development problems, poorer mood, poorer intimate attachment as well as general dissatisfaction are associated with women's receptive anal intercourse . Physiologic factors could include that: (1) mechanical stimulation of the anus and rectum during anal intercourse increases hemorrhoid risk; (2) women with hemorrhoidectomy have impaired sexual function; and (3) persons with hemorrhoids who have not yet had hemorrhoidectomy “are more likely to have abnormal perineal descent with pudendal neuropathy.” Thus, pudendal nerve dysfunction could be one mechanism leading to sexual dysfunction, and this might be the case even in the absence of diagnosed haemorrhoids …”

Partial Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy Versus Circumferential Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy for Grade III to IV Prolapsing Hemorrhoids: A Randomized, Noninferiority Trial

“…Both groups reported a moderate incidence of anal pain after vaginal intercourse, although the incidence was higher in the CSH-treated group. Lin et al 22 reported a similar prevalence of sexual dysfunction symptoms, including desire, arousal, pain, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction assessments, after conventional hemorrhoidectomy. Additional prospective work is required in this area to determine the specific impact of stapled anal surgery.…”

Sexual Function in Patients Suffering from Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus Disease

“…The authors concluded that postoperative sexual function, measured by the International Index of Erectile Functioning (IIEF), was not different compared to the general population. On the contrary, Lin et al found a significantly higher incidence of sexual dysfunction in women after surgery for hemorrhoids [11]. Since data on sexual functioning in patients with disorders close to the urogenital area, i.e., the anal region, are scarce and also inconsistent, a plea for additional studies focussing on this subject is justified.…”