Hernia is a swelling of a large mass of tissue that protrudes out of a gap in the peritoneum (a muscular wall that keeps abdominal organs in place) or a weak muscle often seen in the abdomen or the groin. The presence of hernia would affect intimacy between the individual and their partner by posing a hindrance, say experts. Hernia by itself does not pose a threat to intimate life. It can be treated with surgery. Experts also mentioned that you can have a healthier, intimate life if you manage your weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle after hernia repair surgery.
Does hernia affect intimacy?
Hernia can happen anywhere in the abdomen but does not affect the nerves or cause dysfunction to the organs responsible for sexual function in men and women, says Dr Kavita Varma, consultant general surgeon, Manipal Hospitals, Pune.
Hernias progressively increase in size and create a massive tissue bulge, disfiguring the abdominal wall. “Very large-sized hernias in both males and females can cause discomfort and affect your intimate life,” added Dr Varma.
There are several types of hernias which include umbilical (in the belly button region), hiatus (through a hole in the diaphragm), incisional (through a scar after surgery), femoral (in the groin area in females), inguinal (in the groin area in men) and obturator (in the pelvic region) hernias. The hernias that happen in the groin region have the most impact on intimacy due to their size and location.
How does hernia affect men’s sexual health?
Inguinal hernias manifest in the scrotal region and hinder men from having intercourse, says Dr Raghuveer MN, associate professor of surgery, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore.
He explains that if there is chronic swelling in the testicle, it may become huge if neglected for a long time. This will affect vascularity (relating to, affecting, or consisting of blood vessels), libido (sexual drive), and performance in bed by decreasing testicular function due to chronic pain, poor spermatogenesis (sperm cell production), and defective hormonal release.
Dr Varma added, “If it is an inguinal hernia, they are not directly connected to the testicles. It can invade the scrotum, making it extremely large and covering the testicles, which can make sexual intercourse difficult.”
How does hernia affect intimacy in women?
“Obturator hernia, both in men and women, is a rare type of hernia that occurs within the pelvis and often goes undiagnosed, impacting sexual intimacy mostly in women,” says Dr Varma. Very close to the vagina, hernia can cause pain during intercourse, she said.
Treat hernia before it hinders your intimacy
“It is best to get it treated and operated as early as possible before it gets complicated,” says Dr Raghuveer. When a hernia gets neglected for a long time, the doctor warns that other complications might aggravate and give rise to subsequent surgeries.
He said one must be more vigilant and undergo surgery without being apprehensive. Post-surgery, the pain will eventually come down, and individuals can get back to their usual intimate life.
Enhancing intimacy post-hernia surgery
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, the incidence rate of sexual dysfunction after inguinal hernia repair is higher.
Dr Varma adds that post-hernia repair surgery will cause pain due to surgical trauma. The pain will exist for a few days after the surgery, the pain is resolved over time, and hence, there is no long-term interference in sexual activity.
Experts advise that obesity increases the risk of hernias, so individuals should change their diet, lead a healthier lifestyle, and exercise regularly to avoid hernias recurrence.
Takeaways
- Hernias present in the abdomen or groin area do not directly affect sexual function, but their presence will hinder intercourse.
- Inguinal hernias in males and obturator hernias in females create discomfort while getting intimate as their size increases progressively.
- One can get back their intimate life post hernia repair surgery, and neglecting it will lead to further complications.
- Individuals should manage their weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle post-surgery.
