Hernia surgery is often the most effective way to eliminate your hernia and its symptoms. However, like any surgery, there will be a recovery period. The recovery time will vary from person to person, and there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do.
One thing you may be wondering is whether sex will be painful after hernia surgery?
Here, you’ll discover how hernia surgery could impact your sex life…
How soon can you have sex after hernia surgery?
How soon you’ll be able to have sex after hernia surgery depends upon the following factors:
- The type of hernia you have and its location
- The type of surgery you undergo
- Your overall health
- Whether any complications arose during the procedure
Your surgeon will recommend avoiding vigorous sexual activity for anything from a few days to several weeks. If you undergo laparoscopic surgery for the common inguinal hernia, you can usually get back to having sex pretty quickly. It really depends upon how much pain you are in.
In many cases, the scrotum will be slightly swollen and sore for up to a week. Wait until it doesn’t hurt before you even think about having sex again. If you need a more accurate timeline of how long to wait, discuss it with Mr Alan Woodward in your initial consultation. He can advise you on how long to wait, as it will depend upon your individual circumstances.
Will it hurt?
Sex shouldn’t hurt if you have given the area plenty of time to heal. Some men don’t feel any pain at all, while others experience it for up to a week. Depending upon where the hernia was, you could feel pain around the testicles, scrotum, and groin.
In rare cases, hernia surgery can cause pain during sex even after the recommended recovery period. If you are having trouble, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
Can hernia surgery cause sexual dysfunction?
Although it is uncommon, hernia surgery can cause sexual dysfunction. It is estimated that around 5.3% of men experience sexual dysfunction after surgery. The good news is that most of the time, it is only temporary. However, there is a possibility it could be a lasting complication of the surgery.
The best way to determine how soon you can have sex after hernia surgery is to book a consultation with Mr Alan Woodward. He will be able to give you a more accurate idea of how long it will take to heal. Also, if you are worried about the risk of sexual dysfunction, you can talk through your concerns.