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
Rocketman_SG6UK gary45745
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 - 🚀💃 🤸 ¯\_(?)_/¯
Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
gary45745 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Thanks Graham really useful information, although I will abstain until 6 weeks marker as I'm very much safety first !
jillypops Rocketman_SG6UK
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. 😊
Rocketman_SG6UK jillypops
Posted
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.
Chloeparrot gary45745
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!
gary45745 Chloeparrot
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
sandra67350 gary45745
Posted
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
gary45745 sandra67350
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
sandra67350 gary45745
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
gary45745 sandra67350
Posted
kelly1205 gary45745
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
gary45745 kelly1205
Posted
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
peggy15811 gary45745
Posted
Good Luck
Peg
Rocketman_SG6UK gary45745
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.