Does Sciatica Cause Problems In Sex Life?

Posted on Tue, 11 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 Answered on

Wed, 5 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have had a fusion, S4/L5 about 4 & 1/2 years ago. Since then i have suffered with sacroiliac pain at various levels. I had a coarse of glucose injections which seemed to improve my pain somewhat. However my insurer has denieghed any further follow up. I suffer continually with sciatica down my left leg, ankle & foot. Cramping is common in these areas. Sciatica is now down my right leg, not as consistent as the left. My question is that i am not preforming satisfactorily as a husband in the bedroom. I am 70 years old, & disappointed, not to mention my wife. Is this likely to be a result of my lower back troubles?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Sir, Thank you for posting your query on XXXXXXX Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that yes it can be possible that sciatica is leading to this as it is a very annoying , radiating pain thus making it difficult to have an intercourse . Secondly I will advise you to get your blood sugar levels checked as sometimes this can be a symptom of diabetes . If it is due to sciatica adequate pain relief will be of utmost importance to help you out . You will need to see your doctor for this . Opioid analgesics like tramadol will have a good relief if your treating doctor agrees. Take care. Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar