Best body positions and techniques

Finding new positions

Finding new positions for intercourse can put less strain on painful joints and, in turn, improve your sex life.

The usual position with one partner on his or her back, and the other on top, can be very uncomfortable, especially if the one (or both) of the partners has arthritis in the hip, knee, leg, or arm. If you have had joint replacement surgery, talk to your doctor about when to resume sexual activity and which positions will be most comfortable for you. Here are some ways to find a comfortable position:

Have your partner provide most of the body action, if movement causes you pain. You may prefer a position which allows you to move away if you suddenly have joint pain.

Think about what you do to make yourself more comfortable when you are lying in bed. Perhaps these changes of position can be adapted to your lovemaking, for greater comfort and increased pleasure for you and your partner.

Use the following descriptions for new ideas about different positions. Since people differ in height, weight, strength, and degree of arthritis, the exact arrangement of the bodies suggested will not accommodate everyone's needs. However, they are good starting points from which you may begin to find new freedom. As you experiment with this freedom, tell one another how comfortable and satisfied you are with a new position. The goal is to work together for your mutual pleasure and comfort.

Figure 1 - Both partners lying on side. The man is behind. The woman can have a pillow between her knees. This position is good when the woman has hip problems.

Figure 2 - The woman lies on her back, knees together, with pillow under hips and thighs. The man supports his own body weight on his hands and knees. This can be used when the woman has hip or knee problems, or is unable to move her legs apart.

Figure 3 - Side position with partners facing each other. Can be used if man has back problems.

Figure 4 - The woman lies on her back with knees flexed. This can be used when the woman has severe contractures.

Figure 5 - Both partners stand. The man is behind. The woman uses furniture at a comfortable height for support and balance.

Figure 6 - The woman kneels, her upper body supported by furniture. Her knees can be supported by a pillow. May be helpful when the woman has hip problems. Not good if shoulders are involved.

Figure 7 - The man lies on his back. He may use pillows for support. The woman can support her own body weight on her elbows and/or knees. This can be used when the man has hip or knee problems.

Figure 1: Both partners lying on side. The man is behind. The woman can have a pillow between her knees. This position is good when the woman has hip problems.

Figure 2: The woman lies on her back, knees together, with pillow under hips and thighs. The man supports his own body weight on his hands and knees. This can be used when the woman has hip or knee problems, or is unable to move her legs apart.

Figure 3: Side position with partners facing each other. Can be used if man has back problems.

Figure 4: The woman lies on her back with knees flexed. This can be used when the woman has severe contractures.

Figure 5: Both partners stand. The man is behind. The woman uses furniture at a comfortable height for support and balance.

Figure 6: The woman kneels, her upper body supported by furniture. Her knees can be supported by a pillow. May be helpful when the woman has hip problems. Not good if shoulders are involved.

Figure 7: The man lies on his back. He may use pillows for support. The woman can support her own body weight on her elbows and/or knees. This can be used when the man has hip or knee problems.