Answer
If your hip or knee joints – you didn’t say which you were having replaced – have deteriorated to the point that replacement is your best option, then there is a good possibility that the new joints will improve the quality of your life – including sex. In most cases, you will have less pain and better mobility than you did before the operation. People who found sexual relations difficult before will usually find they can assume more natural positions after joint replacement, but they will still have to take some precautions.

During the six weeks following surgery, you’ll need to carefully heed your surgeon’s instructions so that your new hip joint doesn’t dislocate while the muscles and tissues around it are healing. If you have a knee replacement, you will not be able to kneel until the stitches and tissues on the front of your leg heal.

After that, artificial knee joints are pretty sturdy, although you may still prefer positions that avoid pressure on knees, such as making love on your side, on your back, or even in a chair. A man with knee replacements can try embracing his partner while seated in a sturdy rocking chair, letting the chair provide the motion.

Artificial hips are sturdy, too, but still require long-term protection that may affect your choice of lovemaking positions. After hip replacement surgery, modify your positions as you would for any other activity: Choose positions that do not cause you to sit with your knees raised higher than your hips; do not let your knees touch each other; and do not allow your foot and leg to roll inward.