[Meg]

Thank you, William and Dr. Towfigh.

Dr. Towfigh, Can you say more about not recommending cutting those nerve branches?
Are you saying that Shouldice repair can be done without severing those? I understand that its necessary in order to determine an indirect hernia and that it may cause some numbness in the labial/mons area, but, if so, that the numbness will be temporary (4-6 months).

The round ligament is relevant for me in terms of uterine support, not sexual function. I am past childbearing years, so there’s no issues around pregnancy’s, either, but I had a myomectomy 8 years ago, and the large fibroid that was removed had caused some uterine prolapse. I wear a pessary (which I can take in and out for sex) and that works like magic to keep the prolapse in check and am totally comfortable. I’m wondering if cutting the round ligament might take away what little uterus support I have.

Can you point me to any studies done on inguinal tissue (non-mesh) repair and affects on female sexual organs? Other than anecdotal reporting, all the data around sexual outcomes seems to be about males. It’s very frustrating.

Thank you.