I had a total hip replacement six months ago that had to be revised. I was able to have sexual relations six weeks after my first operation. It’s been six weeks now since the revision. Is it okay to try intercourse now?

Doctors vary in their advice on this point. Those who do more operations suggest the same amount of time for healing before resuming sexual activity. Others say a longer time is needed for the patient who has had a revision.

With more time after a revision surgery, the tissue around the joint and the muscles can heal fully. These tissues are often disrupted more during revision compared to the first implant operation. Revised hips have a slightly higher rate of instability compared to first (primary) hips. A longer period of protection might be best.

Check with your surgeon first. When resuming sexual activity, avoid positions with full hip flexion. Don’t torque or twist the hip inward. Keep the thigh in line with the body, and don’t bring it across the midline of the body.