Will erection problems or pain and low desire after stoma surgery be permanent?
It depends on the operation, and for many people the answer is no, not permanent. Sexual changes after stoma surgery often come from the surgery near the pelvis rather than from the stoma itself. When an operation involves removing the rectum, it can affect the nerves that serve the sex organs, so a man may have trouble getting or keeping an erection, and a woman may notice dryness or discomfort during sex. The American Cancer Society notes these difficulties usually get better with time. Some changes can be longer lasting, but they are not the end of a sex life: there are treatments for erection problems, and lubricants and other measures help with dryness or pain. Low desire is also common early on, often tied to tiredness, body image and worry, and it usually eases as you recover. Speak to your doctor or stoma care nurse, who can refer you to a sexual health specialist.
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This is one of the hardest questions to ask and one of the most common, so it is worth being clear. For many people these changes are not permanent, but the honest answer is that it depends on the operation you had. The changes usually come from surgery near the pelvis rather than from the stoma itself.
Why it happens
When an operation involves removing the rectum, it can affect the nerves that serve the sex organs. Cancer Research UK explains that a man may then have trouble getting or keeping an erection, and may have changes in orgasm or ejaculation (Cancer Research UK). For women, surgery in the same area can lead to dryness or discomfort during sex. Where the rectum is not removed, sexual function may not change at all.
Will it get better?
Often, yes. The American Cancer Society notes that when sexual difficulties do happen, they usually get better with time (ACS). Some changes can be longer lasting, but Cancer Research UK is clear that this is not the end of a sex life: there are treatments for erection problems, and lubricants and other measures help with dryness or pain (Cancer Research UK).
Low desire and where to turn
Lower desire is very common in the early weeks and is often tied to tiredness, body image and worry rather than a physical cause; it tends to ease as you recover. It can feel awkward to raise, but telling your team means they can help. MSKCC notes that changes such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness can be addressed by a sexual health specialist or medicine program (MSKCC).