Physical intimacy and sex is an important part of a spousal relationship, but health conditions and surgery can disrupt this intimate connection. People often ask when they can return to work or sporting activities after hernia surgery, but they skirt around the question about when they can get intimate with their partner following their hernia operation. Below, we answer some questions about sex after hernia surgery.
Sex After Hernia Surgery
Each hernia is different in size, shape, and location, so there’s no one size fits all answer for when you can have sex after your operation. Your best bet is to ask your doctor, as they’ll be able to give you advice tailored to your specific situation. With that said, here are some general guidelines for getting intimate following your operation:
- Most patients will experience some swelling and soreness at the surgical site for at least 2-3 days after the operation, so it’s a good idea to at least wait until that discomfort has become manageable.
- The anesthesia may have more of an effect on you that first imagined, as patients sometimes report feeling tired or lethargic for one to two weeks following the procedure. This doesn’t mean you can’t fight through it, but it’s something to be conscious of, especially if it’s your partner who has undergone the hernia operation.
- Groin hernias (inguinal or femoral) may require a little more time to heal before you feel comfortable enough to have sex.
- The type of operation used will affect how soon you can have sex after hernia surgery. Minimally invasive operations lead to a quicker recovery than an open procedure, but that technique can’t always be used.
- Your doctor will likely recommend a timeline between three days and a couple of weeks before you return to intimate activities, but a general rule of thumb to consider is to see how you feel and go slow. If certain actions feel okay and are not causing pain, you can proceed, but if things get painful or become uncomfortable, stop and give your body more time to recover.
- Communication is very important during your first intimate session after hernia surgery. If something feels off, give your body more time.
- Go forward with positions that do not put direct pressure or stress on the surgical site.
- These tips are important to remember for the individual who had surgery, as well as their partner, so everyone is on the same page.
Again, your best bet is to ask your surgeon during your post-op recovery about when you can have sex following the operation. You don’t need to be embarrassed, and frankly we’d rather have you ask so that we can provide an individualized answer that won’t put your hernia or your health at risk. For more information about hernias or general surgery, reach out to Dr. Koeplin’s office today.
