Slip disc surgery के बाद sexual activities/ sexual activities after slip disc surgery. HD

Dr Himanshu Tyagi, Senior consultant knee & spine surgeon. Phone : 9654095717 MCh Orthopaedics (U.K), FNB Spine surgery, DNB Orthopaedics. Back pain and radiculopathy may limit a patient’s physical intimacy, so much so they may cease their sexual activity. Microdiscectomy is a gold standard surgery to alleviate symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy due to herniated intervertebral disc. However, a symptom most commonly not discussed after the surgery is the resumption of sexual intimacy. Healthy sex life is an essential predictor of a patient’s wellbeing. Back pain with radiculopathy due to herniated intervertebral disc commonly hampers a patient’s sex life. Pain during sexual activity as well as the anticipation of pain, both play in dissatisfaction during sex. Some patients may cease all sexual activity secondary to discomfort which may only add to the emotional aspect of radicular back pain. Microdiscectomy surgery is a minimally invasive surgery performed with an operating microscope or an endoscope. The minimum invasive nature of the surgery leads to less cutting of the muscles and tissues while accessing the disc. The smaller incision also leads to less formation of fibrotic tissue after the surgery. The patients undergoing microdiscectomy are able to return to work and their day-to-day activities sooner than an open approach surgery. Sexual activity is a moderately intense physical activity and most patients will need to wait at least 6 weeks before resumption, however, the time period is unique to each patient and may be shorter or longer. During the initial microdiscectomy recovery, the patients are often advised to avoid bending at the waist, lifting more than 5 pounds, and twisting action. Early resumption of sexual activity may lead to pain at the incision site, muscle spasms, and rarely re-herniation. The approximate time to safely resume sexual activity depends upon the patient’s underlying condition and the type of surgery. The physician usually evaluates the patient’s condition post-surgery and advises the resumption of sex accordingly. The majority of the patients after microdiscectomy surgery find it comfortable and safe to resume sex after 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, the initial inflammation from the microdiscectomy surgery resolves with the healing of the disc and the tissues cut/separated during surgery. The patient also meanwhile learns about correct posture and adapts to post-surgery precautions to become confident of sexual intimacy. Physical therapy during this period also helps the patient to increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles of the back. The patients are often advised to resume sexual activity in a position they are most comfortable with. The patients are advised to engage gradually in sexual intimacy and to be honest with their partners regarding their discomfort. Often lying flat and using a rolled-up towel beneath the lower back is helpful. Similarly, some patients may find it more comfortable when engag