Inguinal hernia surgery does not usually cause long-term changes in sexual life. Once recovery is complete, patients can safely resume sexual activity without functional impairment. Most individuals return to normal intimacy within weeks.

Temporary discomfort or mild pain during intercourse may occur in the early postoperative period. This is due to healing tissues and reduced flexibility in the groin area, but symptoms generally resolve with time.

Concerns about sexual performance often relate to psychological factors such as anxiety or fear of recurrence. Open communication with healthcare providers helps address these issues and ensures safe resumption of activities.

Positive outcomes are frequently reported, with many patients experiencing improved quality of life after surgery. Relief from chronic pain and hernia-related restrictions allows for greater comfort and confidence in sexual relationships.

İçerik

What Is an Inguinal Hernia and How Does It Affect Sexual Life?

An inguinal hernia occurs when the intestines or abdominal tissue protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This condition can cause discomfort and pain during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Inguinal hernia can particularly affect men’s sexual life because swelling and pain may cause significant discomfort during sexual intercourse. Many men report pain and reduced performance during sexual activity before hernia surgery.

Inguinal hernia can affect sexual life in the following ways:

Pain
Swelling
Feeling of physical strain
Pressure on the testicles
Decreased sexual desire

Larger and more complex hernias can disrupt blood flow to the testicles or damage the vas deferens, affecting sperm production and ejaculation, which may lead to fertility problems.

Hernia repair surgery generally resolves these problems and improves patients’ sexual quality of life. Postoperative discomfort is reduced, and pain experienced during intercourse is usually temporary. Although rare, temporary pain or numbness may occur after surgery due to nerve injury. However, most men report a significant improvement in their sexual activities within a few months after surgery. Carefully following the doctor’s recommendations in the postoperative period can speed up recovery and facilitate return to sexual life.

Does Inguinal Hernia Surgery Cause Long-Term Sexual Dysfunction?

Inguinal hernia surgery generally does not cause long-term sexual dysfunction. While most men may experience short-term side effects after surgery, these effects usually occur in the early stages of recovery and subside over time. Some patients may experience temporary sexual dysfunction after surgery, but this is not permanent and tends to improve within a few months. The positive effects on sexual life are more common because surgery can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the hernia.

Short-term side effects:

Pain during intercourse
Difficulty achieving erection
Testicular pain
Decreased sexual desire

Men who experience improvement in sexual function after surgery are generally relieved by the reduction of pain and discomfort previously caused by the hernia. Studies have shown that most men who undergo surgery report a significant increase in sexual satisfaction. Since the hernia itself is a factor that makes sexual activity difficult, surgery largely alleviates these negative effects.

Some patients, though rarely, may experience long-lasting pain after surgery. This may be associated with complications such as nerve injury or chronic pain. However, such persistent problems are very rare and occur in a very small percentage of cases. It should be remembered that the recovery process after surgery can vary from person to person.

What Are the Common Sexual Side Effects After Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

Some men may experience temporary or permanent side effects in their sexual lives after inguinal hernia surgery. These side effects mostly result from nerve injury or the placement of surgical mesh. Some patients may develop sexual dysfunction, pain, or discomfort. These side effects usually decrease as recovery progresses but may last longer in some patients.

Common sexual side effects:

Pain during erection
Discomfort during sexual activity
Testicular pain
Painful ejaculation (dysorgasmia)
Numbness in the groin area

In rare cases, surgical mesh may adhere to surrounding tissues, causing chronic pain or sexual dysfunction. However, such serious complications are quite rare and are generally treatable. The number of patients with long-term problems is very low, and most men return to normal sexual function after surgery.

How Does Postoperative Pain Affect Sexual Performance?

Pain in the surgical area after inguinal hernia surgery can negatively affect sexual performance. Especially groin pain may cause discomfort during intercourse, making performance difficult for patients. Some patients may experience erection or ejaculation problems during this period. The severity of pain varies from person to person and can influence the approach to sexual activity. Anxiety caused by pain, combined with performance concerns, can further complicate sexual function.

For patients experiencing such issues after surgery, treatment with painkillers and avoiding strenuous activities are recommended. Ice applications and supportive garments for the groin area can also contribute to the recovery process. In addition, physical therapy under medical supervision may be beneficial for long-term recovery and help restore sexual life to normal.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Related to Inguinal Hernia Repair?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not directly related to inguinal hernia repair. However, some patients may experience temporary sexual dysfunction after surgery. This condition is generally due to indirect factors rather than the surgery itself. The following factors should be considered regarding the effect of inguinal hernia surgery on sexual function:

Nerve injury
Sensory disturbance
Postoperative pain
Inflammation
Psychological stress
Anxiety

Affected nerves providing sensation to the groin area can have temporary negative effects on sexual function. Especially if injury occurs to the ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerves during surgery, numbness or pain may occur in the genital region. Additionally, some patients may experience pain during sexual activity after surgery. Since this discomfort is related to anxiety or pain, it can make sexual intercourse more difficult.

Psychological stress and anxiety after surgery are also important factors affecting ED. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, temporarily impairing sexual desire and performance. However, these symptoms usually decrease as the recovery process progresses after surgery.

In the long term, most patients report improvement in sexual function after inguinal hernia surgery. The pain and discomfort caused by the hernia are eliminated, which positively affects sexual performance. This process may vary from person to person.

Dr. Ahmet Bekin

Op. Dr. Ahmet Bekin was born in Istanbul in 1983. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Kocaeli University in 2006 and completed his specialty training in the Department of General Surgery at Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine in 2011. After his specialization, he worked in the fields of hernia surgery, reflux surgery, obesity surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. In addition, he received training in endocrine surgery, oncological surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. He is currently accepting patients from Turkey as well as from countries such as Germany and France at his private clinic located in Istanbul.