It might raise eyebrows, but for individuals recovering from hip and knee surgery, the question of resuming intimacy is far from trivial. In fact, “How long after surgery can I have sex?” is a surprisingly common query at Practice Plus Group. Understanding this need, Practice Plus Group has launched a comprehensive “Sex Guide” designed to gently guide patients back to fulfilling intimate lives post-surgery.
“After joint surgery, one of the most frequent questions we encounter is, ‘When is it safe to have sex again?’ The answer is unique to each patient and is best discussed with your physiotherapist or consultant. However, our new intimacy guide provides valuable reassurance and illustrates suitable sexual positions for those recovering from hip or knee surgery.”
Practice Plus Group Sex and Intimacy Guide
This invaluable, downloadable guide, recently highlighted by Dr Hilary Jones on ITV’s Lorraine show, presents eight carefully selected, low-impact, and joint-friendly sexual positions. These positions are specifically chosen to minimize stress on recovering joints during sexual activity. Packed with clear illustrations and practical advice, the “sex guide” empowers patients to confidently and safely resume intimacy after their operations.
The guide offers tailored recommendations for various surgical procedures. For instance, the face-to-face ‘spooning’ position is recommended as comfortable and safe for those recovering from both hip and knee surgeries. Conversely, positions like straddling a partner while on top are discouraged due to potential strain.
A particularly accessible position for patients in recovery is the seated position, which allows couples to utilize pillows for extra support and comfort around the newly operated joint.
“Reducing waiting times for essential joint replacements is crucial because it enables individuals to reclaim fulfilling, pain-free lives and return to cherished activities. This includes everything from walking and playing with grandchildren to enjoying a round of golf and, importantly, resuming a healthy sex life.”
Catherine Farr, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
Catherine Farr, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, explains, “It’s one of the most commonly asked questions we receive.”
“While we are always happy to address any concerns, we recognized that many individuals might feel too embarrassed to openly ask about sex. We believed that a straightforward, easy-to-understand “sex guide” would be incredibly beneficial for everyone navigating this situation.”
This patient-focused “sex guide” has been developed by Practice Plus Group’s expert team of hip consultants and knee specialists. They emphasize the importance of protecting the new joint in the initial weeks and months following surgery. Patients should only consider resuming sexual activity after receiving explicit clearance from their medical team.
Recent research conducted by Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group revealed that a significant portion of the population, 1 in 10 Brits, anticipate maintaining a healthy sex life well into their 60s and beyond.
Catherine Farr further emphasizes, “The urgency of reducing waiting lists for joint replacements, which have been significantly impacted by delays, stems from our commitment to helping people regain pain-free and fulfilling lives.”
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“We sensed that numerous individuals were too embarrassed to inquire about sex, and that a user-friendly guide would offer significant help to everyone in this situation.”
Catherine Farr, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
“And to allow them to return to the activities they love – whether it’s walking, playing with their grandchildren, playing golf, and indeed, enjoying sexual intimacy.”
The “sex guide” is readily available for patients to download and incorporates best practices recommended by orthopedic experts. Utilizing illustrative images, the guide aims to instill confidence in patients as they navigate the resumption of sexual activity post-surgery.
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Sex & intimacy post-surgery guide
Download PDF](https://practiceplusgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FINAL-GUIDE-Recovery-toolkit-sex-positions-after-surgery.pdf)
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