So you have a hernia, but are hoping to get on with regular life. You may be curious if being intimate with a partner may be impacted. A study published in the International Journal of Urology revealed that 23.2% of male and female patients complained about preoperative sexual dysfunction related to a hernia—specifically in the groin.¹ Learn more below about how certain hernia types, symptoms, and gender may impact your sex life.

Whether a hernia is asymptomatic or not, it may still cause discomfort—anywhere from a dull ache to more severe, ongoing pain, or in some cases, a noticeable lump or bulge. Although rare, there is a possibility of pain and/or pelvic floor spasms during sexual intercourse. Studies show that people who experience hernia pain are more likely to experience sexual problems, such as pain with orgasm, pain with erection, or the ability to achieve or maintain an erection.¹

If you are feeling any kind of hernia-related pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Learn more about Hernia Pain: Know When to See a Doctor →

The most common type of hernia, inguinal hernia, occurs when abdominal tissue bulges through an opening in your lower abdominal wall near your groin. They are 8x more likely to affect men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB), but can also affect women.³ During sexual intercourse, inguinal hernias can cause genital muscle spasms in women and erection problems in men.^4,5 However, there is no anatomical link between male sexual organs and inguinal hernias because, although these organs and the inguinal canal are near each other, they have different nerves.⁶

If you experience sexual health complications from an inguinal hernia, you may be able to relieve these painful symptoms by undergoing a hernia repair surgery.⁵

Learn more about Inguinal Hernias →

Overall, it is much more likely for men to experience problems with their sexual health if they do not properly treat their hernia versus if they do—specifically, an inguinal hernia.⁵ These hernias can make both an erection and an orgasm quite painful.^5,6

Learn more about Hernias in Men vs. Hernias in Women →

A hernia will not repair itself — surgery is required to repair a hernia. There are multiple surgical approaches, as well as mesh options that can be used in hernia surgery. Your healthcare provider will help you to decide which options are right for you.

It is also important to speak with your doctor about when you will be able to return to regular sexual activity after hernia repair surgery. This period of time varies from patient to patient, but often last at least a few weeks until the pain has subsided.⁵

To find a hernia surgeon near you, check out our Surgeon Finder.

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.