Sex after a Hip Replacement

Posted , 12 users are following.

i am three weeks post THR and wondering at what stage it is safe to have sex again. 

At at the moment in bed I am sleeping on my back. I can't really lie on operated side as the wound is sore and lying on non operated side is discouraged as it pulls tendons. As such I haven't lay on my stomach at all yet. 

I am 42 and do have a high sex drive so the past three weeks have been very difficult. Sex is often a bit of a taboo subject but my view is it is very much a natural part of life and the lack of guidance from professionals is unhelpful. 

I have groin pain still when I exercise and have been told no flexion.  I am at home walking with no crutches although it is painful to do and I can't without limping. Longer walks I am using two crutches although this seems a bit self defeating as I am trying to avoid not putting weight on operated leg as I don't want the muscles to be underused and then walking on crutches putting weight through operated leg brings similar pain as with no crutches albeit not as quickly. 

My fear about sex is dislocation or doing any damage. I am male so obviously that makes is different than for ladies in terms of effect on muscles and the new hip I would imagine. 

I asked my physio and she point blank avoided the question and went a bit flustered which I found unhelpful really. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

0 likes, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • Posted

    I was told at 6 weeks ... I put some info on possible positions 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

    Best wishes

    Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ¯\_(?)_/¯

    • Posted

      The beauty of the info on my website is that it gives possible positions to use for both guys and gals to reduce the stress on the new hip based on scientific research.
    • Posted

      Thanks Graham really useful information, although I will abstain until 6 weeks marker as I'm very much safety first !

    • Posted

      All your info is great Graham! 😊

      I am 9 1/2 weeks post bilat THR and often refer to your website for advice. Hope your recovery etc progressing well now. 😊

    • Posted

      Yes, doing well now - I just cannot believe that it will be 2 years since my THR at the end of this month.

      Hip is squeaking when I get up from kneeling or tie my shoelaces, I am waiting to hear from RNOH if they want to see me before my next appointment due next year.

  • Posted

    Patience - you must wait at least 6 weeks.

    If you can't walk without limping then you must start using a crutches/walking stick again, otherwise its self defeating.  The aim is for you to be able to walk smoothly and without it hurting.  As you stand up, clench your bum and suck in you stomach and walk slowly and smoothly.

    Back to your original question.  After 6 weeks, you might find that your usual positions are uncomfortable or even painful - so experiment! 

    Let your partner do most of the work initially - and be inventive.

    Have fun!

    • Posted

      hi chloe

      im really struggling with the method of walking they say with two crutches. I was told to put operated leg out with opposite crutch at same time then repeat with non operated leg and opposite crutch but I just can't coordinate it. Using one crutch I'm leaning on good side which physio told me is bad. 

      May i ask what technique you use for walking with two crutches . X

    • Posted

      Hi Gary

      To walk with both crutches you put both crutches forward then out unoperated leg forward, then as you lift your operated leg and take it in front take both crutches with you. In other words both crutches work together and they go for ward at same time as operated leg takes a step.

      Sandra

    • Posted

      Hi sandra

      and do I put weight on operated leg? I try that but I'm leaning forward rather than standing straight. I've so many bad habits it's hard to get out of them x

    • Posted

      Your weight is mostly on crutches but also on operated leg. It's important you stand upright and walk heel to toe steps. Short strides til you get used to it then work on lenthenning your stride.

      If you are leaning forward, perhaps you haven't got the crutches at the right height. Look at YouTube videos on correct use of crutches for THR. You will then know that your muscles are getting stronger because you'll find you're not putting weight on crutches. At first it hurts your hands as you're pressing down so much.

      Sandra

    • Posted

      Hey Gary, I didn't use crutches at all but was instructed to use a walker for the first few weeks and worked really well, kept me balanced on both sides..just an idea for you, Good luck

    • Posted

      This will seem a daft question but what is a walker? Is it what we call in the U.K. A Zimmer frame? 

      I wasnt even given one in one in hospital I was put straight on crutches. But I keep,seeing references to walkers and I wonder what they are? X

    • Posted

      I think they are the same. I’m in USA and they are prevalent. Amazon has them. They are easier than crutches because you can hook a bag or tray to them to carry things. Check on Amazon.

      Good Luck

      Peg

    • Posted

      I had problems after my revision with the shoulders where I was 'thumping' my sticks down so much with the two recoveries so close together.  I bought some walking poles / nordic poles - the hand grip and shock absorbing makes it so much better for the shoulder, but only when you don't put too much pressure on the sticks, as they're nowhere near as strong as sticks/walker/zimmer.

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