A Review of Male and Female Sexual Function Following Colorectal Surgery

Sexual function after colorectal surgery is a largely ignored topic. In patients being treated for colon and rectal cancers, the risk of sexual dysfunction after surgery is high and is influenced by multiple factors.

To examine the factors involved with sexual dysfunction after colorectal surgery and review gender-specific sexual complaints most reported on in the literature.

A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed publications on the topic was performed through a PubMed search. Key search terms and phrases included colorectal surgery, sexual dysfunction, risk factors, cancer, erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, and counseling.

The main outcome measures were gender-specific sexual complaints after colorectal surgery and risk factors involved.

The type of excision and surgical technique strongly influences sexual dysfunction risk, where newer nerve-preserving techniques seem to be associated with better sexual outcomes in contrast to more extensive surgeries. Adjunctive radiotherapy negatively affects sexual health when combined with surgical resection. The most common postoperative sexual complaints reported by men include erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and dysorgasmia, whereas for women dyspareunia and poor lubrication are common.

Sexual morbidity after treatment for colorectal cancer is common and inadequately addressed by healthcare providers in the preoperative setting. Towe M, Huynh LM, El-Khatib F, et al. A Review of Male and Female Sexual Function Following Colorectal Surgery. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:422-429.