Sex After Nuss Procedure [2023]: How Long to Wait + Question

When can I have sex after the Nuss surgery is a question that concerns many, but they are ashamed to ask their surgeon.

Unfortunately, post-surgical recovery is a complex experience and depends on your general health, genetics, and how well you follow surgeons' guides.

Six Weeks

The research recommends allowing 5-6 weeks to pass before having sexual activities without risking more significant consequences.

Surgeons suggest avoiding positions that may strain your rib cage and stomach muscles during the first six weeks.

This question is easier to be asked online, for example on a forum. But, a lot of patients keep avoiding asking their surgeons this question, which is why I think there needs to be correct information on this topic.

What to do if you are too ashamed to ask this question?

It is normal if you are ashamed and uncomfortable discussing this with your doctor.

However, you should follow your bodily instincts well enough to consider when you are ready to have sex again.

Suppose your doctor recommends avoiding vigorous activities like running, aerobics, or strenuous activity. You should also take that as a warning to avoid having sex during that period.

Male and female experiences differ

All patients' experiences are likely to be unique.

When it comes to the Nuss surgery, there is a difference between the sexes' experiences. Unlike men, many women describe their experiences, claiming they could return to their sex life significantly sooner.

They say that after a month, they had sexual activity, but with more caution.

But in men, it may take longer, precisely because of the need for more core muscle strength, and yet the upper body is still fragile in the first weeks after the operation.

However, it is essential to see your surgeon and ask when it is okay to engage in sexual activity in your case. Please don't feel ashamed; it's better to ask than not know and be anxious all the time.

Talk openly with your partner

You may have difficulties with intimacy with your partner but know that you need to talk more openly about this situation. For example, do you two feel like lovemaking in this post-operative period?

Discussing the importance of healing with your partner openly and sincerely is a fantastic idea for you to understand each other better.

The best time to have that conversation is before you undergo surgery so they can prepare for those challenging times.

If you feel that the absence of sex is why your intimacy is off during that recovery period, taking up a new hobby or easy activities together would be a good idea. That will give you both valuable time to spend together.

Use your pain as a guide and try various positions

You can use chest pain as guidance on when to stop, even if you have permission from your doctor for sex after the 6th-week post-surgery.

If you experience pain when you have sex the first time after the Nuss procedure, take that as if your body is trying to desperately tell you that you're not still ready and need to take some more time before engaging in sexual activity.

But, to not let that discourage you, know that Nuss is a complex surgery and that your recovery process may take longer, and that is okay.

In other words, you are doing too much too soon if you are in pain.

Start gently, in general, with every activity, and try to lessen any discomfort or pain.

Try to have fun and be comfortable, stop if you are in pain, communicate with your partner, and try to adjust your position or try something else together.

Bottom Line

If you are in recovery now, know that patience and giving yourself time to recover is essential.

The best results in intimacy come from always being upfront with your loved ones about how you feel. Their help is equally crucial for you to recover properly and be healthy after the first three months after the Nuss procedure.

But, when that period ends, you can safely resume sexual activity once you are genuinely well and ready.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you find this article helpful. Please share any experiences or knowledge you found useful in a comment below or by contacting me via the contact form.