Our Summary

This research paper looks at how hip surgeries related to sports injuries can impact a patient’s sex life. The researchers examined 17 different studies which involved nearly 6,000 patients (and over 6,000 joint surgeries) to get their results.

They found that, overall, patients who had hip surgeries saw an improvement in their sexual function after the operation. This was mostly due to the fact that they experienced less pain and stiffness during sex. On average, patients were able to return to sexual activity about a month after their surgery.

However, the study also found that there was a risk of damaging the pudendal nerve (a nerve that plays a key role in sexual function) during surgery. This kind of damage happened in about 5.6% of the cases they looked at and could temporarily affect a patient’s ability to have sex.

The researchers concluded that surgeons should make sure to discuss these potential risks and benefits with their patients before doing hip surgery. This can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

FAQs

  1. What impact can hip surgeries related to sports injuries have on a patient’s sex life?
  2. What is the risk of damaging the pudendal nerve during hip surgery and how does it affect the patient?
  3. How long does it typically take for patients to return to sexual activity after hip surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about arthroscopy is to follow the post-operative instructions carefully, including any physical therapy exercises prescribed. This can help improve recovery time and overall outcomes. Additionally, it’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms with your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended arthroscopy are those who have joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability that has not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections. Arthroscopy may be recommended for patients with conditions such as:

  • Torn cartilage (meniscus tear) in the knee or shoulder
  • Damaged or torn ligaments (such as the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee)
  • Inflamed joint lining (synovitis)
  • Loose bone fragments or cartilage in the joint
  • Inflamed joint lining (synovitis)
  • Bone spurs or other abnormalities in the joint

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems through small incisions using a tiny camera and specialized instruments. It is often recommended for patients who want to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and potentially delay or avoid the need for more invasive procedures such as joint replacement surgery.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  • Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected joint
  • Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests, and possibly other non-surgical treatments like physical therapy
  • Surgeon recommends arthroscopy as a minimally invasive surgical option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparations

After arthroscopy:

  • Patient undergoes arthroscopic surgery to repair or treat the joint
  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room before being discharged
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint post-operatively
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and function in the joint
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and gradually returns to sports or physical activities
  • Patient experiences improvement in joint function, reduced pain, and improved quality of life

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after arthroscopy involves initial evaluation, surgery, post-operative recovery, and rehabilitation to help the patient regain function and return to their normal activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of hip surgery are you recommending for me and what are the potential benefits and risks associated with it?
  2. How will this surgery impact my ability to engage in sexual activity?
  3. Are there any potential complications related to sexual function that I should be aware of?
  4. What is the recovery process like in terms of returning to sexual activity after surgery?
  5. Are there any specific precautions I should take to protect my sexual function during the recovery period?
  6. How common is damage to the pudendal nerve during hip surgery and what are the potential consequences of this type of injury?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options that may have less impact on my sexual function?
  8. Can you provide me with any resources or additional information to help me better understand how hip surgery may affect my sex life?

Reference

Authors: Hubbard M, Pascarel D, Vivekanantha P, Almasri M, Malik S, Meena A, de Sa D. Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2025 Jul;33(7):2642-2654. doi: 10.1002/ksa.12700. Epub 2025 May 19. PMID: 40387189