How safe is it to have sex after orthopaedic surgery?

Dr. Steven Chudik, a pioneer in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, repairs a torn rotator cuff. This surgery requires patients to wear a brace for eight weeks and engage in physical therapy for several months to regain their range of motion and arm strength.

Dr. Steven Chudik, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in arthroscopic surgery was interviewed by Maggie Crouch for the following article that recently appeared in Advocate Health Care e-News.

Many questions can arise after orthopedic surgery: When will I start feeling like myself again? How soon can I return to normal activities? And perhaps one that many people wonder, but don’t often ask: When is it safe to have sex?normal activities?

Dr. Steven Chudik, an orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill., emphasizes the importance of talking with your doctor about post-operation sex life. “You are not the first to have questions or concerns. You will not embarrass yourself or your surgeon, so do not let it keep you from discussing your particular situation,” says Dr. Chudik.

One patient may only have to wait a few weeks, while it may be months before others can return to his or her prior sex life. Allowing time for recovery to ensure that complications don’t arise during sexual encounters is crucial.

Dr. Chudik says that the type of injury and surgery, as well as the individual patient’s limits and abilities, play a vital role in how soon he or she can return to sexual activity.

According to Dr. Chudik, a “how-to” guide for getting back into the swing of things does not exist because every patient is different. It is important to discuss your specific situation with your doctor in the privacy of an office visit. Having a conversation with your doctor is also important for preventing further harm. Returning to your surgeon’s office with an injury caused during sex will be far more embarrassing than any discussion beforehand.

“My goal as an orthopedic surgeon is to help my patients regain their mobility and lifestyle goals, including sex,” says Dr. Chudik.

Dr. Steven Chudik has convenient office hours in Westmont and Western Springs, Ill., both conveniently located near freeways and tollways in the western suburbs of Chicago. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chudik, call 630-324-0402, or go to the Contact page on his website.