Does inguinal hernia surgery affect sexual function in men?

Aim: It was aimed to reveal the relationship between inguinal hernia surgery and erectile function using an internationally valid, standardized patient questionnaire.Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, data from 133 male patients who underwent the Lichtenstein hernioplasty technique for inguinal hernia surgery were examined.Patients who gave their consent for the study and whose data were available were asked the 5-question IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaire to determine their sexual functions preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and the answers were recorded.Patients' age, body mass index, hernia, type, size, and side were statistically evaluated.Results: IIEF-5 results were revealed to be as follows:17.26before surgery: 17.62 in the first month after surgery, 18.02 in the sixth month after surgery, and 18.14 in the twelfth month after surgery.A statistically notable variation was found in the preoperative and postoperative scores of the patients.When the IIEF-5 results of the patients were investigated, it was seen that the results of the patients were boosted after the surgery.Discussion: As a result of inguinal hernia surgery, the swelling in the groin area decreases, cosmetic concerns are eliminated, and pain is reduced, resulting in improved sexual functions.