Closed surgery is known as laparoscopic surgery in the medical literature and is preferred in the treatment of many diseases today. It is preferred because of its advantages such as less damage to tissue formations, faster recovery time and less pain. However, there are some important points to be considered about when patients can return to their normal lives, especially sexual activities, after closed surgery. Because the role of hormones in this process can affect your recovery.

Healing process and sexual intercourse

Recovery time after closed surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, the area operated on and the general health of the patient. In general, the recovery time for laparoscopy is shorter than for open surgery, but every surgical procedure requires a recovery period and it may take time for the tissues in the surgical site to heal completely.

Pain and discomfort

There may be pain or tenderness in the postoperative area. Physical pressure or movement in these areas during sexual intercourse can cause increased pain or discomfort. In addition, postoperative abdominal bloating or gas accumulation may also cause discomfort. Such discomfort can make sexual intercourse difficult and prolong the healing process.

Risk of infection

There is a risk of infection after any surgical procedure. If the surgical site is not completely healed, this may increase the risk of infection during sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to postoperative hygiene and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Doctor's advice and recommendations

It can be difficult to give an exact time frame for when sexual intercourse can be resumed after closed surgery, because each patient's recovery process is different. However, as a general rule, it is safest to follow the doctor's advice. Depending on the type of surgery and your recovery process, your doctor will advise you on the best time and points to consider.

Doctor's approval Always get your doctor's approval before you start sexual activity. Your doctor will advise you to start sexual intercourse after making sure that the surgical site has healed completely.
Caution: Be careful the first few times you have sexual intercourse. Use slow and gentle movements, taking care not to put too much pressure on the surgical site.
Pain and discomfort: If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop sexual activity and rest. If the pain persists, contact your doctor.
Hygiene: Pay attention to the hygiene of the surgical site. Make sure the surgical site is clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection.

Dopamine and Oxytocin

During sexual intercourse, the body releases happiness hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine creates motivation and a sense of reward, while oxytocin increases feelings of bonding and love. These hormones can have a positive effect on overall well-being and support the healing process. However, if the body has not yet fully healed after surgery, the positive effects of these hormones may be limited and caution is needed.

The link between lovemaking and surgical wound healing 

A 2019 study examined the effects of sexual activity on the healing process after surgery. The study showed that sexual activity generally does not negatively affect the healing process, but pain and discomfort may be felt at the surgical site. Therefore, it is important to get a doctor's approval before starting sexual activity.

Another study in 2020 examined the effects of cortisol and adrenaline levels, which are post-operative stress hormones, on the healing process. The research showed that high cortisol levels slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, the importance of stress management and relaxation techniques after surgery was emphasized.

Hormones affect your recovery

Hormones play a major role in the healing process after surgery. In particular, the stress hormone cortisol can affect the healing process. High cortisol levels can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, stress management after surgery is important.