Hernia sex

It used to be easy, if unpleasant. A man noticed a bulge in his groin, his doctor diagnosed it as a hernia, and a surgeon was asked to repair it. This approach was simple and straightforward, but it has given way to a more complex strategy. There are still three steps to consider, but now each is a question: Should the hernia be repaired? Which repair is best?

An inguinal hernia essentially a hernia in the groin area is already plenty to deal with on its own. This is a very normal and valid concern to have, and one you should never feel ashamed to ask any medical professional who is examining or addressing your inguinal hernia. The fortunate news is that, in most cases, repairing an inguinal hernia should improve—or at least not worsen—sexual enjoyment, because the bulge that was associated with the previous hernia is repaired and the abdominal wall is strengthened. However, a small percentage of patients who suffer from chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair, due to entrapment of several other nerves that provide sensation to the skin around the genitals but generally not the genitals themselves , may experience serious problems with pain during intimate contact.

For open hernia repair surgery, a single long incision is made in the groin. If the hernia is bulging out of the abdominal wall a direct hernia , the bulge is pushed back into place. If the hernia is going down the inguinal canal indirect , the hernia sac is either pushed back or tied off and removed. The weak spot in the muscle wall—where the hernia bulges through—traditionally has been repaired by sewing the edges of healthy muscle tissue together herniorrhaphy.

Sexual difficulties after hernia repair surgery may occur in some men, but these issues tend to go away after recovery. Think again. Although people can experience temporary sexual dysfunction because of pain and pelvic floor spasms, the condition is rare.