Asian Spine J.  2019 Jun;13(3):515-518. 10.31616/asj.2018.0106.

Lack of Current Recommendations for Resuming Sexual Activity Following Spinal Surgery

• Thomas CM
• Levene HB

• KMID: 2449807
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.31616/asj.2018.0106

Abstract

Patients are faced with many questions surrounding the after effects of the various surgical procedures and their ability to return to preoperative activities. While patients often question whether surgery would provide alleviation of pain, weakness, and instability, they often have additional questions about sexual activity during their convalescence that are not always addressed. Although the literature shows postsurgical improvement in sexual activity in association with improved low back pain, reports vaguely address the variability in sexual activity recommendations based on anatomic location and type of spinal surgery. We conducted a PubMed search of the English language from 1990 to 2018 with the following keywords: sexual activity, postoperative, spinal fusion, spinal decompression, functional outcomes, laminectomy, rehabilitation, biomechanics, lumbar disc surgery, metabolic energy expenditure, coital position, and Oswestry Disability Index. Additional studies are needed that survey both patients and spine surgeons to examine current recommendations and to help formulate future guidelines.

Keyword

Sexual behavior; Spine; Safety; Rehabilitation; General surgery

MeSH Terms

Bariatric Surgery
Convalescence
Decompression
Energy Metabolism
Humans
Laminectomy
Low Back Pain
Rehabilitation
Sexual Behavior*
Spinal Fusion
Spine
Surgeons