Intimacy after a THR

Posted , 7 users are following.

Ladies,

I could really use some advice on this one. Any advice on how to reintroduce intimacy back into the marriage after a total hip replacement? Landry was last April, which prohibited me from abducting since that time. We found other ways to keep the relationship going, however, it has put a strain with limited intimacy. The other ways included me lying on my left hip, which is my operated hip. It's been 8 weeks since surgery and while I do have increased range of motion I am very concerned about dislocation.

At a very healthy 58 it is important that we reactivate this piece of our relationship.

Thanks,

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Kristen,

    I'd wait until you get to the 12 week mark.  At that point your restrictions should be lifted.  Even at that point, everyone heals differently so it would be more an individual case by case decision.  Always check with your doctor first.

    Take care.

  • Posted

    Hi. I'm 52 and I hear ya. Practise doing squats, just very small to start with. Also do the clam shell exercises. It's a bit daunting at first but you just take yr time and get back to it slowly. Look online for different positions to try after hip replacement. Lol. Might find something new.

    Good luck.

  • Posted

    There are useful websites with a variety of positions that are possible, depending on which one of you, or both of you, are post surgery. We found them and a seance of humour invaluable. It does come back, better than ever, but takes time. 
  • Posted

    You are right, this is an important topic for all of us who have husbands, wives, or partners.  I did put a picture and a link on my website in the 'Long Term Recovery' page.   

    The website address is in my personal info here ...

       https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

    and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

       https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

    I think we started to manage intimacy at 6-8 weeks, being unable to get on my side we just started out with cuddles, stroking and talking about the diagram in my website.  Then we tried a few positions (ended up in much laughter) and decided on a couple we both felt most comfortable with.  To be honest, it brought back the teenager inside us!

    You need to be honest with your partner about what positions YOU feel comfortable with, and if they are caring and considerate, you should be fine.  If it feels uncomfortable, or you think you are risking dislocation, STOP and let your partner know just why you need to stop.

    I had this twice (THR and revision), so after the second operation, we were both prepared for it, but it can be a very frustrating time for our partners.  I don't think my wife was prepared for the shock that I really didn't feel 'up to it' for so long after my operations.

    Best wishes

    Graham - 🚀💃 🤸

    • Posted

      Thanks for all of the information Graham. It is taking a bit, but, as you mentioned, there are other ways, which we took advantage of the year prior to surgery when I want not able to abduct my hip at all.

      Working that now and looking at the pamphlet and your recommendations.

      You are most certainly a wealth of information and amore inspiration to all of us here on the forum.

      Many thanks again!

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