Does Proctologic Surgery Really Influence Sexual Behaviors?

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.