Our Summary
This research paper is a review of studies looking at the impact of spine surgery on sexual function. This is important because sexual function plays a big part in a person’s quality of life. The researchers looked at studies that measured sexual function and any negative outcomes, such as retrograde ejaculation (when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the penis during orgasm), following major spine surgery.
To do this, they searched databases for articles published between 1997 and 2017 using keywords related to sex and spine surgery. They ended up including 81 studies in their review.
Most of these studies were retrospective case series, meaning they looked back at patient cases and data after the fact. The quality of the evidence from these studies wasn’t very high. The researchers found that surgeries involving the front part of the lower spine were more likely to result in retrograde ejaculation, especially when a specific technique called transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used. However, the evidence was unclear on the best sexual position after fusion surgery, and the impact of a substance called BMP-2 on retrograde ejaculation or sexual dysfunction.
Despite the lack of high-quality evidence, the general trend showed improvement in sexual activity and function after spine surgery. The researchers suggest that future studies should specifically assess sexual activity in order to better understand this important aspect of quality of life. This would allow doctors to provide better advice to patients before surgery.
FAQs
- What is the impact of spinal surgery on a person’s sexual function?
- Does the type of spinal surgery performed affect the likelihood of negative outcomes such as retrograde ejaculation?
- How can future studies better understand the impact of spinal surgery on sexual function?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to discuss any concerns about sexual function before the surgery. It’s important to have open communication with your healthcare provider about any potential changes or issues that may arise post-surgery. Additionally, following the recommendations for post-operative care and rehabilitation can help improve overall recovery and potentially minimize any negative impacts on sexual function.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for spinal surgery are those who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. Common conditions that may warrant spinal surgery include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal deformities, spinal fractures, and spinal tumors. Patients with severe pain, weakness, numbness, or loss of function that significantly impacts their daily life may also be candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients with progressive neurological deficits or spinal cord compression may require urgent surgical intervention to prevent further damage. Ultimately, the decision to undergo spinal surgery is made on a case-by-case basis after thorough evaluation and discussion between the patient and their healthcare provider.
Timeline
Before spinal surgery, a patient typically experiences chronic back pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, difficulty walking, and other symptoms related to their spinal condition. They may undergo various non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections to manage their symptoms.
After spinal surgery, the patient goes through a recovery period where they may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility. They will work with a physical therapist to regain strength and range of motion in their spine. Over time, the patient should experience improvement in their symptoms and quality of life as they heal from the surgery.
In terms of sexual function, the impact of spinal surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and individual factors. Some patients may experience temporary changes in sexual function due to pain, medication, or recovery from surgery. However, in the long term, many patients report improvement in sexual activity and function following spine surgery.
Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after spinal surgery involves managing symptoms, undergoing the surgical procedure, and working towards recovery and rehabilitation to improve their quality of life.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:
- What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery, including any impact on sexual function?
- Will the type of spine surgery I need have any specific effects on my sexual function?
- Are there any steps I can take before or after surgery to minimize the impact on my sexual function?
- How common is retrograde ejaculation following spine surgery, and what can be done to address this issue if it occurs?
- Is there any specific post-operative care or physical therapy that can help improve sexual function after surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatment options that may have less impact on sexual function?
- How soon after surgery can I expect to resume sexual activity, and are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
- What are the chances of experiencing temporary or permanent changes in sexual function following spine surgery?
- Are there any resources or support groups available for patients who may be experiencing sexual dysfunction after spine surgery?
- Can you provide me with more information or studies on the impact of spine surgery on sexual function to help me make an informed decision?
Reference
Authors: Malik AT, Jain N, Kim J, Khan SN, Yu E. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2018 Oct;27(10):2395-2426. doi: 10.1007/s00586-018-5636-7. Epub 2018 May 23. PMID: 29796731