Abstract
Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most
common ligament injuries having social, mental, and spiritual effects as
well as physical effects, reducing the quality of life. Sexual health
plays an important role inreproduction as well as in the physical,
intellectual, emotional, and social aspects of life. Aims: In this
study, we compare male patients with conservative and surgical treatment
after ACL rupture in terms of sexual health. Methods: The sexual health
statuses of 41 male patients diagnosed of ACL rupture followed by
conservative or surgical treatment were evaluated before treatment, in
the 6 months and at the 1 year after treatment and compared using the
International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF- 5). Results: When the
mean IIEF-5 scores followed with surgery and conservative treatment were
compared at 6 months, it was observed that the scores of those receiving
surgical treatment were significantly lower (p = 0.005). When the mean
IIEF-5 scores at 1 year were compared, it was seen that the surgical
treatment scores were significantly higher. (p = 0.012). Conclusions:
This study has shown that surgical treatment for ACL rupture has more
positive effect on male sexual life in the long term compared to
conservative treatment.