The best sex positions for people recovering from surgery
A sex guide, offering intimacy advice to those recovering from surgery, has been released by a hospital group.
The guide, which caters for those who have recently had hip or knee replacements, features eight "lower impact" and "joint-friendly" positions to help those who are recovering surgery navigate sex more comfortably.
"After joint surgery, one of the most common questions we’re asked is ‘When can I have sex?'," an introduction to the guide explains. While the answer can vary and a physiotherapist or consultant can confirm, the guide says it "offers reassurance as to which sexual positions are suitable after hip or knee surgery".
"Our orthopaedic experts have suggested some safer and more comfortable options to try after either a knee or hip replacement which put the least amount of strain on your new joint," the advice continues.
The guide was released by hospital group Practice Plus Group, which specialises in hip and knee procedures, and highlights which positions are better for those recovering from joint procedures.
Moves include "spooning" face to face, which is fine after hip or knee surgery, while straddling a partner on top is "not advised". The table top/end of the bed position is suitable after hip surgery, although it isn't recommended for knee replacement patients.
Commenting on the guide Catherine Farr, director at the group’s hospital in Shepton Mallet, said patients wondering when they can have sex was one of the most frequently asked questions.
"Of course we’re very happy to answer anything, but we felt there were likely many other people who are too embarrassed to ask about sex, and that an easy-to-follow guide would really help everyone in this situation," she explains.
Experts at the hospital chain, which treats both NHS and private patients, say it’s essential to minimise risk to the new joint in the first few weeks and months after surgery and to only start having sex again post-surgery after getting the "all-clear" from the hospital.
The guide explains that classic positions, like missionary, are only suitable for those who have had hip surgery, if they’re on the bottom rather than on top.
While engaging in intercourse standing up is fine after knee or hip surgery, but only if the patient is behind rather than in front.
One of the most accessible moves, according to the guide, is in the seated position, with lovers advised to use pillows for support and to avoid partners using too much bodyweight on a new hip.
The advice also encourages patients to be careful to take extra care getting in and out of each position and this will ensure that your new joint is always able to move as safely and comfortably as possible.
For hip replacements, experts advise stopping and switching to a more comfortable position if your new joint feels painful at any time.
Most importantly, the guide encourages patients to relax. "We find some patients find it helpful to take an over-the-counter painkiller 20 minutes before any activity," the advice reads.
It is also recommended to have some cushions or rolled up towels prepared to use for extra comfort and to help support your new joint and the guide suggests patients may find it helps to do some gentle stretches to help the flexibility of their new hip or knee and to warm up the muscles supporting it.
It follows research by the hospital group which found one in 10 Brits expect to have a healthy sex life in their 60’s and beyond, with one in six Boomers keen.
Farr said she hoped the guide, alongside the hope of reduced waiting lists, would help people "get back to leading fulfilling lives free of pain".
"And they can get and back to the activities they love; be that walking, playing with grandchildren, playing golf and yes, having sex," she added.
The guide is available for patients to download and draws on best practice from orthopaedic experts with example images to ensure patients can feel confident having sex again after surgery.
The fact is that people’s sex lives don’t suddenly come to an end when you get older. And actually research suggests many of the older generation are likely enjoying more sex than you might think.
In a study in England, 86% of men and 60% of women aged 60–69 years reported being sexually active, as did 59% of men and 34% of women aged 70–79 years, and 31% of men and 14% of women aged 80 years or older.
Further research, from the National Social Life, Health and Ageing Project (NSHAP), found that almost three quarters (74%) of women aged 75 to 85 believed satisfactory sex was essential to maintaining a relationship, while 72% of men felt the same.
The same study found that over a third of men (38%) and almost a fifth (17%) of women within this age bracket were sexually active.
Turns out getting it on can have health benefits for the older generation too in terms of giving their brain a boost.
Researchers from Coventry and Oxford University in the UK have found a link between frequent sexual activity and improved brain function in older adults.
The study, published in in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological and Social Sciences, involved quizzing 73 people aged 50-83 on how often, on average, they’d had sex over the past 12 months. Participants also answered questions about their general health and lifestyle.
Scientists found that people who had sex at least weekly scored higher on tests of cognitive function – and, more specifically, on tests that measured verbal fluency and visuospatial ability – than those who had sex less frequently.
Read more about sex and relationships:
Sex can help men live longer - and has important health benefits for woman too (Daily Record, 2-min read)
Three ways exercising can improve your sex life (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)
What To Do If You And Your Partner Have Different Libidos (HuffPost UK, 2-min read)
