When Is It Safe to Have Sex After a Hip Replacement?
Key takeaways:
Most people can safely start having sex about 6 weeks after hip replacement surgery. But it’s best to get your surgeon’s approval first.
Begin with a missionary or side-lying position with your surgical hip up to keep your new joint stable.
Take it slow, use pillows for support, and communicate with your partner as you ease back into intimacy.
Table of contents
After hip replacement surgery, it’s time to focus on recovery. You’ll probably start thinking about how to move around safely, such as getting in and out of bed or climbing stairs. But one question that may not get much attention is: When is it safe to have sex after a hip replacement?
The encouraging news is that your sex life won’t be on hold forever after a hip replacement. But it will take patience, a few modifications, and communication.
When is it safe to start having sex again after hip surgery?
Most people can safely start having sex around 6 weeks after hip replacement surgery, said Brett Shore, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and hip specialist at DISC Sports & Spine Center in Southern California. The goal is to make sure your incisions are fully healed. That means you don’t have any open wounds or scabs. And most of the pain and swelling are gone, Shore said. But everyone recovers at their own pace, so give yourself enough time to heal.
If you’re not ready for sex after a hip replacement, consider other activities, like oral sex or manual stimulation, Shore added. These activities can keep pressure off your hip as you ease back into intimacy.
If you’re unsure or have concerns about when you can have sex after a hip replacement, don’t shy away from asking your surgeon or a member of their team.
What are the risks of having sex too soon after hip surgery?
“The biggest risk is dislocation of the new hip joint,” said Susanna Clark, DPT, a physical therapist and clinic director at Lone Peak Physical Therapy in Helena, Montana.
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Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the rounded head of your thigh bone fits into a cup-like socket in your pelvis. A dislocation happens when the ball of your new hip joint pops out of its socket. Moving your hip too far or twisting suddenly before it’s ready can cause a hip dislocation. It can be extremely painful and might even require another surgery to correct.
You also risk opening your incision, which can cause infection and delay healing, Clark said. Shore added that pain during sex is also a common risk if you resume intimacy too soon after hip surgery.
Safe sex positions to try
You might need to try different sexual positions after hip replacement surgery. The best positions should help you enjoy intimacy while keeping your new joint safe.
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But before we talk about positions, it’s helpful to know how the surgeon accessed your hip during the surgery. You might have to take different precautions depending on the surgical approach, Shore noted. Two common surgical approaches include:
Anterior: With this approach, the incision is in the front of your hip. You should limit turning your leg outward or extending your hip (moving your leg backward, away from your body).
Posterior: When the incision is in the back, you should avoid bending your hip past 90 degrees and turning your leg inward. This means avoiding positions like bringing your knee up to your chest.
With that in mind, here are some sexual positions to consider trying, along with tips to make them work for you.
Missionary
It’s best to start with a missionary position, with the person who had surgery on the bottom, Clark said. This setup allows for relaxation and helps reduce pressure on your new hip joint.
Lie on your back with your partner on top, facing you. Use pillows as a prop to support your surgical side. Avoid bringing your knees together or turning your toes inward. “Think about keeping your hips wider and toes pointed outward to protect the hip joint,” Clark noted. This reduces strain on the joint and lowers the risk of dislocation.
Side-lying
In this position, lie side by side with your partner, keeping your surgical hip pointed toward the ceiling. Putting a pillow between the legs for support is helpful, said Kristen Schellhaas, DPT, a physical therapist at ProRehab Physical Therapy in Louisville, Kentucky.
Supporting the leg also helps prevent your leg from crossing the body’s midline. That’s a no-no during recovery, Shore pointed out. Imagine a line running from your head to your toes, splitting your body into right and left sides. That’s the midline. You want to avoid having your surgical leg cross this imaginary line, as it can put your new hip at risk of dislocation. What’s great is this position is safe regardless of the surgical approach, Shore said.
Lying on the edge of the bed
While lying on your back, scoot to the side of the bed so your hips are perpendicular to the edge. Let your legs dangle over, knees bent, with your feet propped on pillows on the floor. Your partner can stand or kneel between your legs, facing you. You and your partner can enjoy close, face-to-face intimacy in this position while your new hip stays safe and supported.
This position also allows your partner to move freely. And it keeps you stable, which makes it a great option during your healing process, Schellhaas noted.
Standing with support
If you’re feeling up for it, standing positions can work, too. Both partners should stand, using a wall or sturdy furniture for extra support. This position requires strong legs and good flexibility, Schellhaas said. So make sure you feel steady before giving it a try.
Standing is a safe way to position your hip as well, according to Clark. And Shore gives it a thumbs-up for any hip surgery approach.
Move slowly so you can notice if a sex position isn’t working. Pain will tell you when to stop and switch things up.
Sex positions to avoid
Returning to intimacy after a hip replacement is important. But some sexual positions can put your new hip at risk of dislocation, Shore said. Steer clear of these positions during your recovery:
On hands and knees: You might know this position as “doggy style.” But it’s a no-go for now. It can put too much pressure on your hip, which can cause it to rotate unsafely.
On top of your partner: Whether kneeling or squatting, this position puts your hip in deep flexion, which can strain your new joint.
Lying on your stomach: You risk overextending your hip, which could throw your new joint out of alignment.
Sitting on your partner’s lap (lotus): Deeply bending your hip in this position can increase the risk of dislocation.
Hip bending or rotating positions: Any position that requires extreme hip movement can potentially dislocate your new joint.
You want to avoid positions where your hips are bent past 90 degrees, Clark said. But, as you heal, you may be able to gradually introduce more sex positions.
More tips for resuming intimacy after a hip replacement
Returning to sex after a hip replacement doesn’t have to be intimidating. These tips can help you and your partner reconnect safely and comfortably.
Get a healthcare professional’s OK
Before jumping back into intimacy, check with your surgeon or physical therapist to ensure your new hip is ready for it. Approval from a healthcare professional can help you understand any limitations and offer reassurance. Plus, they might give you more personalized tips on what to avoid.
Try stretching first
A little warm-up can also help set the mood for sexual activities. Before getting intimate, try some gentle stretches. This can help loosen up your muscles and prepare your body for action. And it’s a great way to tune in to how your hip feels that day.
Take it slow
Start with gentle touches and comfortable positions, gradually working up to more involved sexual activities. You can get a chance to gauge how your body responds, and it helps prevent any sudden movements that might cause pain or injury.
Talk with your partner
“Communication with your partner is essential in order to avoid risking any further injury to either partner and especially the surgical hip,” Schellhaas said. Talk about your concerns, limitations, and what feels good. This way, you can both enjoy the experience without added stress or worry.
Use pillows or other tools for support
Turn your bed into a comfort zone. Schellhaas suggests using pillows, blankets, or even specially designed foam wedges to support your hip and make positions more comfortable. With your hip properly supported, you can focus more on enjoying the moment with your partner.
Listen to your body
Your new hip might need time to adjust to intimacy. Stop and switch to a different position or activity if something feels off or hurts. Pain is your body’s way of telling you to take a step back and reconsider.
Frequently asked questions
It’s generally recommended to avoid high-impact activities like long-distance running and jumping after a hip replacement, Shore said. But most people can return to almost any sexual position they enjoy after about 3 months. By then, your surgeon will likely confirm that it’s safe to move beyond the initial hip precautions, allowing you to get more adventurous in the bedroom.
While your hip may not be exactly like it was before, many people find they feel better after recovering from hip replacement surgery. Some even report an improved sex life. Hip replacements have come a long way. Once you’ve fully healed, you can generally get back to all of your usual activities, Schellhaas said.
The bottom line
Most people can start having sex around 6 weeks after a hip replacement, although it’s a good idea to get the OK from your surgeon first. Having sex too soon increases your risk of dislocation or infection. When you’re ready, start with positions like missionary or side-lying, where you can relax and reduce strain on your hip. Take your time, communicate with your partner, and use pillows for support to ensure a safe and enjoyable return to intimacy.
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References
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