According to the American Osteopathic Association, almost one-third of Americans accept articulatio genus pain. Forth with the mean solar day-to-day discomfort, that can really put a damper on your sex activity life. Hither'southward the good news: Genu injuries and sensitivities don't have to put the kibosh on sexual intimacy—in fact, having sex could exist beneficial for your condition. "During intercourse, information technology may actually be helpful to motility your knee through its range of motion, and the blitz of endorphins could help yous manage your pain," says Maiken Jacobs, orthopedic patient educator and certified occupational therapist for NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia.

If you've been fugitive sex because of pain or fear of aggravating your knee further, follow these recommendations from doctors and physical therapists so your sex life has more than ooh and less ouch.

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Exercise regularly.

"Strengthening your quads and hamstrings can aid stabilize and protect the knees," says Claudette Lajam, MD, and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. If you work out regularly, your muscles will exist able to support your knees improve during a multitude of everyday activities, including sex. Squats, footstep-ups, and directly-leg raises are helpful exercises for people with knee pain, because these movements assist to strengthen the muscles effectually the joint. (Got 10 minutes? Then yous've got fourth dimension to lose the weight for practiced with Prevention'due south new 10-infinitesimal workouts and 10-infinitesimal meals. Get Fit in ten: Slim and Strong for Life at present!)

Here'southward how to exercise the perfect squat:

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​Have a bath.

"Take a warm Epsom table salt bath before you're intimate," says Jacobs. The heat may help proactively ease your hurting. And, what's more, a relaxing bath is a bully way to unwind and make it the mood—so lite a few candles and arrive a sensual ritual. Better however, shower or bathe with your partner and make the experience office of the main event. (Here'south another surprising health benefit of taking a bathroom, from Prevention Premium.)

Use pillows strategically.

Extra props never hurt anyone. "Use pillows to cushion the trunk and to alleviate whatever stress on the knees," says Jacobs. Place pillows underneath your knees, back, or stomach to help become in a sustainable, comfortable position (or ane of these that practically guarantee an orgasm). In one case y'all find 1, endeavour not to readjust too much.

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Pre-medicate.

Go on anti-inflammatories on hand. If you know information technology's date night, take a Tylenol in advance, and so that you're fix to go and comfy moving, advises Lajam. Try timing your pain meds so that they take upshot while you're having sexual practice.

Notice the right position.

Keep your legs extended. If bending your knees is painful, avoid extreme knee joint flexion—which can aggravate an injured knee or an inflamed knee. "Stay in a position with the leg extended, with no external pressure on the knees," says Jeffrey A. Geller, MD, professor of orthopedic surgery, and Main of the Division of Hip & Articulatio genus Reconstruction at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Middle. Avoid positions with prolonged crouching, squatting, or kneeling, adds Jacobs. To keep the legs straight, stick with missionary position or try a spooning position on your side. If it doesn't hurt to represent an extended period of time, i partner can bend over the side of the bed with the knees softly bent.

Avoid putting direct pressure on the knees.

If y'all've had a knee replacement, endeavour not to kneel or put weight on your knees. "The kneecap repurposing is made of plastic and is not made to accept straight pressure level on it," says Lajam. While information technology won't hurt you to put pressure on a reconstructed kneecap, it may article of clothing out the plastic. If you haven't had a knee joint replacement, information technology nevertheless might be a good idea to stay off your knees to avoid the extra force per unit area.

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Have morning time sexual practice.

"If y'all e'er have sex in the evening, try existence intimate in the morning time instead," says Lajam. Throughout the twenty-four hours, your knee pain tin become increasingly worse. To lessen your pain during intercourse, just endeavor having sex activity earlier in the day. (Here'southward what happened when one couple had morning sex every day for a week.)