Title:Does Proctologic Surgery Really Influence Sexual Behaviors?
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Author(s): Alessandro Sturiale *, Bernardina Fabiani , Raad Dowais , Felipe Celedon Porzio, Gaetano Gallo, Jacopo Martellucci, Claudia Menconi , Riccardo Morganti and Gabriele Naldini
Affiliation:
- Proctology and Pelvic Floor Clinical Centre, Cisanello University Hospital, Pisa,Italy
Keywords:
Anal intercourse, proctologic surgery, sexual behavior, hemorrhoid, anal sex, stapled hemorrhoidopexy.
Abstract:
Introduction: The percentage of the heterosexual population that has experienced and
regularly has anal intercourse ranges from 20% to 35% in the USA. This practice increases to 95%
in certain populations, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Due to the lack of
data in the literature about the effect of proctologic surgery on anal intercourse, this study aimed to
assess the impact of this surgery on sexual behavior in both genders.
Materials and Methods: From March 2016 to February 2018, an anonymous questionnaire was
submitted to all patients aged >18 who had undergone proctologic surgery in one of two surgical
units at tertiary referral centers and was assessed independently of gender. The exclusion criteria
were incomplete healing and <3 months follow-up.
Results: In total, 929 patients answered the questionnaire in full. The overall prevalence of preoperative
anal intercourse was 22.5%. The rate of anal intercourse among men was 16.7%, while
among women, it was 28.9%. The overall postoperative rate of anal intercourse was 11.8%. The
rate of postoperative anal intercourse among those who regularly engaged in anal intercourse preoperatively
was 52.6%, with a 47.4% rate of non-completion (p <0.0001). The experiences reported
during intercourse after surgery were mainly pain, stiffness, and partner discomfort.
Conclusion: Considering the statistically significant postoperative AI abandonment rate following
all types of proctologic surgery, the surgeon has a duty to both treat the disease and to inform the
patient about the possible consequences regarding its influence on anal intercourse.
