Making Love After my Total Hip Surgery

Oh Daywalker !!! That is a fantastic sign on the road to full recovery 

There is a big thread on this topic -  Oh how I wish I could advise you here and give tips ...

But I am sure that there are many hippies who will be able to give you answers!!

 

Hi there, well all I can say (from my own personal experience) is ..... with difficulty!  I am now 6 months post LTHR, other hip will be done end of May this year and hopefully with a slightly less traumatic experience than the first  My replaced hip is brilliant now and range of movement improving slowly all the time, which is what I was told to expect.  However, when it comes to 'all' being back to normal, i.e, 'the lovely place' as you put it - I don't feel like it'll ever be quite the same but that's just me.  What I do believe is that it will be easier with a sympathetic, caring partner who is patient, loving and understanding when things are tricky and/or painful - not my experience.  

To be more precise though and to give you a better idea, we tried to return to 'lovely place' from about 6-7 weeks, only partially successful (not for me) and to be honest it hasn't really progressed too much.  My partner is, I know, only partially satisfied and I don't like it or want to go there at all - this by the way is very different to how things used to be.  I'm 55, slim and was extremely fit before surgery and relatively fit now although have some way to go after my second hip gets done but I'm not overweight by any means.  

I'm sorry if my experience isn't very uplifting but it is honest.  I hope you have a really loving, understanding partner who will help you return together to that 'lovely place'.

Jo xx

A few weeks ago i read in the newspaper that all us middle aged ladies (!) were having our hips replaced to be able to get ourselves into the karma sutra positions of our youth!!!! I thought mine was replaced because it hurt to walk with OA and I limped badly!!! I will definately be telling people the op was done so I could swing from the chandeliers again because it sounds sooo much cooler😯

In the various papers given by the hospital, the section headed Sexual Intercourse said that unless directed otherwise, you may resume 6 - 12 weeks after the operation. Then, it said:

1) They also suggested that it was advisable to be the "passive" partner whilst recovering.

2) A side by side position with the operated leg uppermost and supported by a pillow (or partners thigh) for comfort.

3) Men may be more comfortable on their back with their partner kneeling astride.

4) After 3-4 months a man may go back on top and ladies should avoid twisting their legs too much.

From a personal point of view, my body was too 'out of sorts' for the first 3 weeks. I would also venture to suggest that if the patient is male, it is easier. However, I do stand to be corrected (as I have never been otherwise).

 

I hope that helps put a piece int the jigsaw. 

Michael

Aha that one again - sorry, I have been on this lovely forum just too long!

As usual, the answer is "it depends".  on if you are male or female, and how you are recovering.  There is advice on the internet - and on my website I put an entry on the "When can I" page - "Usually about six to eight weeks after your operation, confirm with your consultant and/or physio, but still obey the 90° rule. Avoid vigorous sex and more extreme positions."

Common sense really.  You can have lots of fun finding whatever is the best position for yourself (laying down, kneeling or standing), whatever you do, avoid strain, observe the 90 degree rule, stop if it hurts in any way, and have fun !

After two operations and two rounds of "6 weeks of celibacy" just 4 weeks apart, we were glad to be able to get into our 'loving place' again.

Best wishes,

Graham - 🚀💃