Stanwood, WA
A 28-year-old male asked:
I've had inguinal hernia surgery could that cause sterility?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Binfordanswered
Thoracic Surgery 39 years experience
Unlikely: Injury to the channel which carries sperm is possible but very rare. Firtunately, there are two sides and you only need one testicle to be fertile. So you would have to have the other side not functional and the unlikely possibility the surgical side was injured.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph Sucheranswered
Trauma Surgery 27 years experience
Possible. Unlikely: Sterility requires that both testes, or that both vas deferens (duct from teste that carries sperm) are no longer functional. Injury to the spermatic cord, which contains the vas deferens and blood supply to the teste, is a known complication of inguinal hernia surgery (up to 3%). If you had bilateral operation, or pre-existing problem with opposite teste, then it is possible but very unlikely.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
Acton, MA
A 39-year-old male asked:
Should i undergo inguinal hernia surgery?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hoepfneranswered
Surgery 40 years experience
Probably: If you have a hernia that is enlarging or causing sone pressure or discomfort symptons, then yes have hernia surgery. Risks depend on your overall health ; surgical risks. A hernia will not resolve without surgery ; you can watch a small hernia if your doctor says it is alright to observe it.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 9, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.