[POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT]

Abstract

Total hip replacement in patients with osteoarthritis significantly reduces pain and enhances the quality of life (QoL). Sexual activity is an important component of QoL about which doctors rarely discuss with patients even though it is a matter of concern to many patients. In fact, patients who have previously had impaired sexual function due to preoperative hip pain and/or stiffness find that after surgery their hips are pain free and have better motion. After total hip arthroplasty range of hip motions is usually limited by surgeon’s reccomendation in order to prevent dislocation of prosthesis. This creates limitations in activities of daily living, sport activities and also sexual activities. The aim of this paper is to give guidelines for safe sexual intercourse to patients following total hip replacement. During rehabilitation, patients should be educated on what positions are and are not recommended in the context of sexual activity.