Hip replacement is one of the most performed surgeries today. In addition to the increase that is expected in the coming years, specialists increasingly serve patients between 45 and 65 years, among whom hip problems can have a great influence on their sex life.
Hip replacement surgery reduces pain and improves mobility in patients who have suffered arthritis/osteoarthritis for many years. This facilitates many activities of daily living, including sex.
Improvement Indicators
According to various studies published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), before hip surgery, 60% of patients have problems in sexual activity (pain, stiffness, limitation with certain postures ...). However, after surgery, more than 80% of patients experience considerable improvements in their sex life, libido, and self-esteem.
Recovery Tips
After the hip surgery, there is a recovery time in which you must progressively and unhurriedly explore the limits of your comfort. Most surgeons recommend waiting for a period of six weeks to restart sexual activity. However, this will depend on the type of surgery, the patient's age, the involvement of other joints and other variables.
It is important to mention that the risk of dislocation is greater during the first three months, so in that period, postures that require hip flexion above 90º should be avoided. Also, make sure that during sex the knee on the affected side does not rise above the level of the hip and does not cross beyond the midpoint of your body (the navel).
It is also very important the intervention of the physiotherapist who can inform about the deadlines and the safest way to have sex.
Once past what experts call 'safety period', most patients manage to flex the hip up to 120 ° and even the youngest patients are urged to force until they reach the mobility of the opposite hip or a normal hip, being able to bring the legs almost to touch with the chest.
Despite the concern that it generates in patients, sexuality is not always an issue that is dealt with in-depth in Trauma/pre-op consultations. It is very important to have confidence in your doctor and ask the necessary questions, because the positions and roles of each member of the couple can be altered while the patient regains confidence.
Below are some examples of positions that surgeons recommend and do not recommend after hip surgery.
