When I can have sex after hernia surgery’, is the most common concern among people. But most of them are embarrassed to ask their surgeon. However, the answer to this question depends on various aspects such as your overall health, your recovery process post surgery and the type of surgery you have undergone.
Hernia is a medical condition. It occurs when an integral organ of the body part protrudes through the wall of muscles or tissues that contain it. Usually, hernia occurs within the abdominal cavity, between the chest and the hips. Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernias in men. In inguinal hernia, a part of protruded tissues push through the inguinal canal and into the scrotum.
However, femoral hernia is the most common type of hernia in women. In femoral hernia, the protruded tissues push through the femoral canal at the top of the thigh. Be it inguinal or femoral hernia, having sexual activity with a hernia is very difficult. Because the bulge caused by these hernias can cause obstruction and extreme pain. Read below to know more about when is the best and right time to have sex post your hernia surgery.
When Will I Be Ready To Have Sex?
It does not matter what type of hernia you are suffering from or what type of surgery is performed to treat it, you are bound to expect some swelling and soreness around the affected area for a few days after the treatment procedure. The anaesthesia may also leave you fatigued for a week or two. Do not feel surprised if you do not feel up to having sex for a while.
Your doctor may advise you to avoid sex for a few days based on various things. This includes:-
- The location of your hernia
- Your age and general health
- Type of surgery is used to correct the problem
- Any complications during or after the procedure
Usually, there are not any restrictions on sexual activity after laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia. However, you will feel mild discomfort around the incision site for a week or two. After surgery, men may notice their scrotum to be tender, discolored and swollen a little bit. However, the swelling would subside within a week. You may also be able to resume your normal activities such as sexual intercourse within a week. But it can take longer as well.
Experts believe, if you have sex and it does not hurt, then it is alright to have sex after any hernia surgery. But if it causes pain or discomfort, stop right away and give your body enough time to recover from the surgery completely.
When Will I Be Able To Get An Erection?
If you are suffering from inguinal hernia, the doctor will probably repair your hernia with laparoscopic surgery using mesh. The inguinal region in men is close to testicular structures, which is crucial for sexual function. After your surgical procedure, you may notice bruising and swelling in your scrotum, penis and testicles. But there is almost no chance of injury to blood vessels or nerves of the sperm tube. So, do not worry much.
Usually, this procedure should not interfere with your ability to get an erection. The above mentioned symptoms are not associated with other hernia surgeries. There is no risk of other hernia surgeries which interfere with your ability to get an erection as well.
Will I Feel Pain While Having Sex?
You will feel a certain amount of pain while recovering from hernia surgery. This happens due to the incisions and your body adjusting to the implanted mesh. Men may experience swelling in the penis and testicles post surgery. Hence, there may not be desire for sexual intercourse. Because it can be too painful or quite uncomfortable for a while. Another reason can be the location of the hernia and the muscles involved with it.
You should follow your doctor’s recommendation for how long to wait. And when you are ready for it, choose a sex position that that will not put pressure on or irritate your abdomen. Stop yourself the moment you notice pain or pulling sensation at or near the affected area. Even if you notice mild pain, it is a good idea to wait until you are completely recovered.
How Active Will I Be During Sex?
Your doctor will probably advise you to avoid strenuous activities for a few days. This also includes vigorous intercourse. Discuss with your doctor about this. Also, talk to your partner about concerns. Discuss what you are comfortable doing and what you are not.
Below are the few suggestions you should keep in mind while having sex:-
- You can ask your partner to take the lead.
- You may opt for oral sex as it causes no pain or discomfort.
- Keep yourself ready to change or stop the position if needed.
- You can even use a wedge pillow to create the right angle without having strain.
- Start with very gentle movements. Then increase the activity when you gain confidence.
- You can hold a pillow close to your abdomen to provide support during sexual intercourse.
- See if there is any swelling in the incision area. Choose a position that would not put pressure on it, rub against it or strain it. Be creative about choosing your position.
Above all, listen to your body. It will communicate with you if you push or pressure it. Also, do remember that swelling and soreness post surgery are temporary. You probably will be back in the swing of things very soon.
Consult You Doctor
The recovery rate of hernia surgery is an individual thing. Hence, it is important to consult your doctor about what you can expect while recovering from the surgery. You will have a follow-up meeting with your doctor within the first few weeks of the surgery. Talk to your doctor, if you have tried and could not have sex due to pain or if you are worried about the time to bring it up very soon.
Also, consult your doctor immediately if you experience fever, severe pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in urinating, redness and swelling around the incision site, bleeding or foul-smelling drainage from the incision.
