Sex after surgery: how to safely resume sexual activity

Understanding recovery and resuming sexual activity after surgery

As with lots of different activities during recovery from surgery, you shouldn’t rush into immediately having sex again. Depending on the type of procedure you had, you might be experiencing some post-surgery pain and discomfort, so it’s best not to put too much strain on yourself too early.

The information below offers some tips around how to resume sexual activity safely, and highlights some general precautions you may want to take.

Tips for having safe post-surgery sex

If your surgery involved an incision being made, it’s a good idea to wait until this has healed. Depending on factors like the patient’s age, the type of procedure, and the size of the incision, healing time may vary but is typically around four-six weeks.

If you’ve had orthopaedic surgery, you may find that using pillows or rolled up towels to support the affected area is helpful. Remember to avoid any sudden movements and communicate with your partner. Any position that causes pain or discomfort should be stopped immediately.

General precautions before resuming sex

As mentioned above, you should wait until the incision site(s) have fully healed before resuming sexual activity. A good general rule is to wait until your first post-op check-up appointment. During this session, your consultant will check on how well you’re healing and will recommend whether or not you’re ready to resume sexual activity.

Depending on the type of procedure you’ve had, it might be a good idea to use positions that support or protect the affected area. For example, if you’ve had knee surgery, lying on your side or on the edge of the bed may help to reduce the strain on the affected joint.

Why sexual activity after surgery matters

The following are all reasons that point to the of importance of sex after surgery:

• The benefits on physical and mental wellbeing – the benefits of sex are well-known and they don’t stop at increased levels of endorphins. According to a study from 2003, sex is considered a critical factor when it comes to wound healing. The study showed that sex after surgery improves healing rates, particularly in women.¹
• Reducing anxiety and boosting confidence – for some patients, surgery can have a negative impact on the way they see themselves. Resuming sexual activity can boost confidence, while reducing anxiety around physical imperfections and possible scarring.
• Return to a normal life – Alongside getting back behind the wheel and returning to work, resuming sexual activity can be an important milestone in post-surgical recovery, not to mention feeling like you’re returning to your old self.
• Strengthening of relationships – reconnecting with your partner on a physical level is important for emotional recovery and your relationship.

Guide to sex after different types of surgery

From the safest positions to recovery timelines, the sections below drill down into what you can expect from resuming sexual activity after some of the main procedures offered by Practice Plus Group.

Knee surgery

Depending on the specific procedure, knee surgery is generally considered to be a major operation, especially if you’ve had a knee replacement, revision, or ACL repair. As with any surgery, it’s important to give yourself enough time to heal. Knee surgery patients typically report being able to walk again (with the aid of crutches) between four and six weeks after their operation.

Typical recovery timeline after knee surgery

Before we get into sex after knee surgery, let’s first look at the expected recovery timeline. In the first few days, you’ll be able to return home and manage discomfort with painkillers provided by your Practice Plus Group medical team. You’ll be encouraged to get back on your feet as soon as possible, standing and walking with the help of crutches.

Within six weeks your physio classes will start and your pain should decrease. Range of movement will likely grow and any swelling should go down. Those with desk-based jobs will likely be able to return to work within this timeframe.

By three months post-surgery, most patients will experience significant improvements in their movement and mobility. Crutches may no longer be needed to get around and activities such as swimming and cycling will likely be encouraged by your consultant.

Specific information about knee replacement recovery can be found in our dedicated guide.

Positions and techniques to reduce strain

Before you resume sexual activity, it’s important to take extra care to get into and out of each position. Rolled up towels and pillows can be really useful to help you do this, as well as provide support to the affected area.

Among the safest positions to try after knee surgery are:

• Face-to-face
• Standing (if you’re behind)
• Spooning
• Seated

For a detailed overview of these positions, please download our Intimacy during recovery guide.

How soon can I resume sex after knee surgery?

This depends on the type of knee surgery you’ve had but patients typically resume sexual activity between four-six weeks after their operation.

Can sexual activity damage my knee replacement?

Yes, if you’re not careful. You need to make sure your incision site(s) are fully healed and use safe positions. Be careful not to overexert yourself and if you experience any pain, you should stop straightaway.

What positions are safest after knee surgery?

The safest sex positions after knee surgery are:

• Face-to-face
• Standing (if you’re behind)
• Spooning
• Seated

Hip surgery

While hip surgery is a major procedure, there’s no reason you can’t include sexual activity into a healthy recovery plan. As with any surgery, it’s important to wait until your incision wound(s) have fully healed before you resume having sex.

Healing timeline after hip replacement

Before we talk specifically about sex after hip surgery, let’s focus on what to expect more generally from the recovery process.

The days following your hip surgery will typically be spent in hospital and focus on gentle mobilisation. This is to reduce the risk of post-surgery complications like blood clots. Once you return home (usually after a few days), your physio sessions will begin. These sessions are designed to improve your range of motion, help regain strength, and encourage regular movement.

Between six and twelve weeks post-surgery, you should be able to resume light activities and even return to work if your job is desk-based. Any swelling should have significantly reduced, while mobility increases.

Safe sexual positions for hip surgery patients

Before we look at specific positions, there are a few things to consider to help protect your hip. Be careful not to bend the hip past 90 degrees and avoid twisting. Doing these will put stress on the affected area and, if you’ve had a hip replacement, could result in dislocation.

As with patients that have had knee surgery, it’s important to take extra care to get into and out of each position. Using pillows and rolled up towels can be useful to help support you as you do this.

Among the safest positions to try after hip surgery are:

• Face-to-face (on top only)
• Missionary (at the bottom only)
• Standing (if you’re behind)
• Spooning
• End of bed (lying down only)
• From behind (at the bottom only)
• Seated
• Partner on top

For a detailed overview of these positions, please download our Intimacy during recovery guide.

How long after hip replacement can I resume sex?

Hip replacement patients typically resume sexual activity between four and six weeks after the procedure. This gives enough time for the incision wounds to heal.

Will sexual activity harm my hip replacement?

Possibly if not done safely. The recommended positions for hip replacement patients can be found in our Intimacy during recovery guide.

Are there recommended positions for comfort and safety?

Yes, and they can be found in our Intimacy during recovery guide.

Cataract surgery

Most ophthalmologists recommend waiting up to two weeks before resuming sex after cataract surgery. This is to ensure the affected eye has had enough time to heal.

Tips for resuming sexual activity safely

Patients will need to avoid any activities and intimate positions that could potentially cause increased eye pressure. As with resuming sexual activities following other types of surgery, patients need to listen to their bodies and stop immediately if there’s any pain or discomfort.

When to consult your ophthalmologist

You should consult your ophthalmologist in the event of any discomfort during or after sexual activity.

Can I have sex immediately after cataract surgery?

Most doctors recommend waiting up to two weeks before resuming sexual activity after cataract surgery.

Will sexual activity affect eye healing?

Strenuous activity can increase eye pressure which may interfere with or delay healing from cataract surgery. Be careful when touching your eyes or administering drops as sexual activity can increase the risk of contamination or infection.

How long until I’m fully healed?

In general, cataract patients can expect to be fully healed after six weeks.

James Wood, Content Specialist