Does inguinal hernia repair have an effect on sexual functions?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate sexual functions which are affected by inguinal hernias and may change after hernia repair surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 47 patients who underwent Lichtenstein tension-free anterior repair and inguinal hernia surgery were evaluated in terms of erectile function, intercourse function, sexual desire, overall satisfaction and orgasm satisfaction using the International Index of Erectile function questionnaire (IIEF) scoring system before surgery and in the first and sixth months after surgery. Parameters evaluated with the IIEF score before the surgery and in the first and sixth months after surgery were compared statistically using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 46.2 ±11.2 years (range: 22–67). It was determined that all scores, apart from sexual desire (p = 0.08), significantly increased in the postoperative first and sixth months compared to the preoperative period. It was measured that the preoperative sexual desire score increased significantly in the postoperative sixth month (p <0.001). A significant score was also detected when all scores in the postoperative sixth month were compared to the postoperative first month. CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal hernia surgery positively affects sexual functions compared to the preoperative period. The improvement in sexual parameters in addition to the benefits of hernia removal and presence of no significant postoperative complications indicates that this surgery is useful and safe.