Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Women Only Message Board a little embarassing but here goes...

I have the same problem. Haven't had sex for almost 7 months because of it. The last time we had sex, I hurt the whole time we were doing it. I don't think my husband understands how much it hurt, because he is pressuring me for sex again. I really can't get excited about doing something that hurts like h...

I have been married for going on 38 years so I think I have a little experience. My husband and I have a pretty active sex life and I want to keep it that way not just for him but for me. We have gotten into a routine that involves a lot of pillows. Three for my back so that I am propped up and two for each of my hips and knees. Makes it much more comfortable. If he has any problems with it just tell him would he like to go without all together. He will get more creative too. This has worked for us since I have become so stiff in the hip area and surgery on my knee. I did have some pain this last weekend due to a piriformis muscle pressing on my sciatic nerve. Hope to get that resolved with some PT. But serious you need to find whats comfortable for you and let it happen with that position.

My problem is that my SI joints are starting to fuse, plus I have either bursitis or enthesis problems at my hip. Makes it difficult to rotate the hip joint without pain. My hips and buttocks hurt non stop. I'm thinking of asking my rheumatologist for a cortisone injection to see if that will help.

Thank goodness I found this. Ever since we met my wife and I have been having sex less frequently to the point of frustration.

We finally talked about it, and it turns out that her hips have been causing her increasing pain during intercourse for the last couple years. She's tried exercising and stretching, and while that seems to slow down the progression of it the pain won't stop or reverse.

As mentioned previously, yes, pillows help but don't solve the problem. Seeing as how even taking longer strides while walking is beginning to bother her it's getting fairly serious. I promised her I'd go online to try to help figure out what's wrong and ways to fix it (cost be damned), so if anyone can offer any advice or insight we'd be eternally grateful.

If further information is needed she is a massage therapist and can likely give a fairly detailed explanation of the problem.

I have this problem also. Sex is a planned event in our house, spontaneity went out the door a couple of years ago

My routine:
Before each session I will take a nice hot tub bath, pop a pain killer or muscle relaxer (this really helps), and slowly work up to the necessary flexibility needed .

My husband deserves a "Man of the Year" award.

He will have to compete for that award with my DH

My hip pain is far worse than my SI joint pain and sex in any is almost impossible, at least any position that requires me to open my legs.

My routine is a bottle of wine, hot shower, massage from DH with tons of pillows then afterwards the pain pill (for that after pain and the hangover).

Poor guy is so patient!

I remember the first time I talked to my PT about it, he is a middle age man. His reply " I have a handout for that". Several months later we now talk more openly about it and he is really helping me with achieveing that comfort in that position with stretches and strategy.

This *&(*&(* disease can really effect your life. I have been avoiding the NSAIDs as my stomach is bad now. But on the day I think we might have sex, I take NSAID in morning, afternoon and an hour before. We have 7 pillows. Also ah hm laying on bed with hips at end of bed, knees NOT on floor (my knees are bad too) from behind.

Get up immediately afterward. Do not sit on toilet--hold the pee. Walk around. a lot. Stand up.

Good luck, there is also a book "joy of Sex" which I read in the 70's surely it is still around.

Anna

Anna,
That made me laugh, the part about the Joy of Sex book, I still have mine...!!! what a hoot, haven't thought of that book in years..! should re-read it..! could use some of those idea's...

The below position works best when my hips and SI's are acting up.

[img]http://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/tabI...ictureView.aspx[/img]

Sex??? Fiance???? You lucky woman, you. :-) Unfortunately I can't help in this area. I do however own a 90's edition of "Joy of Sex". Just for the memories.