What Is the Effect of Inguinal Hernia Operations on Sexual Functions?

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate sexual function before and after inguinal hernia surgery using a standard, internationally approved, patient-administered questionnaire.

Methods: 57 male inguinal hernia cases operated with the Lichtenstein hernioplasty technique were prospectively included in the study. Patients who agreed to participate in the study had the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) scoring system form consisting of 15 questions filled in preoperatively, during the first and sixth months after surgery. Patients' age, BMI, comorbidity, employment status, hernia type, hernia size, and single or bilateral hernia were recorded. The relationship between these variables was evaluated by statistical analysis.

Results: A statistically significant difference was found in terms of erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse function, and overall satisfaction, when the preop-postop first month, preop-postop sixth month, and postoperative first month-postop six-month scores were compared (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Pain and swelling due to an inguinal hernia can negatively affect the sexual functions of the patient, and most of the patients benefit from this after the surgery. Sexual dysfunction may be one of the indications for an inguinal hernia operation.