Learning About Sex After Hip Replacement Surgery

Overview

Sex is part of a healthy life. Before your hip surgery, sex may have been painful. But the good news is that after your hip heals, you may find sex to be comfortable and enjoyable again.

This information is about returning to sex after having hip replacement surgery done through the back or side of your hip (posterior). If your surgery was done through the front of your hip (anterior), talk to your doctor about returning to sex after that type of surgery.

What should you know about talking to your doctor?

Your doctor will help you know when it's okay for you to have sex. For most people, having sex is safe 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Sometimes doctors are so focused on your recovery that they may not ask about other important parts of your life, like sex. It may be up to you to bring up the subject.

To help get the conversation going, try these tips:

• If you think you will have trouble bringing up sex, practice how you will introduce the subject. You might say something like, "I have some concerns about having sex without hurting my new hip. I'd like to talk about that today."
• Before your appointment, make a list of questions to ask your doctor. Be as specific as you can.
• If you have trouble asking the questions directly or you feel rushed, give your list of questions to your doctor. Then ask for another appointment to discuss them.

How can you reduce the risks?

Some sex positions are better than others for your hips. Some positions could cause you to dislocate your hip. So your doctor may want you to avoid certain positions, especially for the first few months.

Your physical therapist may give you suggestions to help you avoid hip problems. They might include these tips:

• Keep your knees apart while you sit or lie down.
• Be very careful as you get in or out of bed so your leg doesn't cross the imaginary line down the center of your body.
• Try not to twist your hip. Keep your knee and toes pointing forward.
• If you had an anterior replacement:
  • Do not lie on your stomach.
• If you had a posterior replacement:
  • Do not bend your hip more than 90 degrees (like the angle in a letter "L").
  • Do not sit on low chairs or beds.

Tell your doctor or physical therapist about any concerns you have about sex. Talk about physical problems that prevent you from having or enjoying sex. Talk about any fears or worries you have.

What positions are safe?

The following positions may help you feel more comfortable and keep you safer. Your doctor or physical therapist may tell you about other positions that will be safe for you.

Physical therapy can help you heal and avoid injury so that sex can be enjoyable and comfortable again.

Standing

slide 1 of 4

slide 1 of 4, Standing,

Standing can help you keep from putting too much weight on your hips.

Sitting in a chair

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slide 2 of 4, Sitting in a chair,

Using a chair can help keep your hips comfortable.

Edge of the bed

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slide 3 of 4, Edge of the bed,

Using the edge of the bed can help you keep your knees apart.

Missionary position

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slide 4 of 4, Missionary position,

Keeping your legs down and low can help protect your hips.