Off Limits? The Best Sexual Positions For People With Limited Mobility

OFF LIMITS? THE BEST SEXUAL POSITIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY As we age, we experience physical and emotional changes in regards to sex including: Physical changes: Loss of vaginal elasticity and Decreased blood flow to genitals muscle tone Difficulty getting Thinning of the vaginal lining an erection Lower levels of estrogen and testosterone Desire: Fewer sexual toughts and fantasies Decreased libido Arousal: Diminished clitoral sensitivity Slower arousal Reduced vaginal lubrication and less expansion of the vagina Less blood congestion in the clitoris and lower vagina Orgasm: Delayed or absent orgasm Less intense Fewer and sometimes painful uterine contractions orgasms Resolution: Body returns more rapidly to a non-aroused state z[z z The rest period between erections grows longer Sexual desire and activity do not automatically fade with aging. But, it may be necessary to accommodate other changes that come with aging, including mobility. Limited mobility can restrict the range of comfortable sexual positions. For people with limited mobility, flexibility, and/or painful joints, shifting positions-and pillows-can protect joints and tissues and lead to more comfortable sex. Physical limitations may result from various conditions including: Arthritis Research shows women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience pain and limited joint mobility during sex. > But compared to women without RA, there is no difference in reported satisfaction. Diabetes Heart disease Back pain Up to 84% of men and 73% of women report a significant decrease in the frequency of intercourse when suffering back pain. 73% Despite varying physical disabilities, most men and women can continue to be intimate well into their golden years. THE MISSIONARY POSITION How it works: The man lays on top of the woman, who lays flat on her back > To put less stress on the major joints, the woman can sit on the edge of a chair or low-set bed, and then man can kneel. > This position is appropriate for women with hip, back, or knee pain, and does not require a lot of athleticism. > Some people with spinal cord injuries find sitting positions most comfortable. Experiment and consider using pillows to support your body. WOMAN ON TOP How it works: The opposite of missionary. The woman sits or lays on top of her partner who lays flat on his back. > This position is especially fitting for conditions that cause fatigue or chronic pain, including arthritis. The man does not have to exert himself very much. DOGGY STYLE How it works: The woman gets on her knees facing away from her partner. The man enters from behind. > Make sure both partners do not have back issues before > For more leverage, and to relieve pressure on the arms, the woman can lie on a pillow. trying this position. > This position allows easier stimulation of the G spot. > This position is typically comfortable for women with hip pain as well as overweight couples. Experiment with the number of pillows to decide how much support is best. MODIFIED MISSIONARY How it works: The woman lies on the edge of the bed with a pillow under her lower back to raise the pelvis. > The man penetrates by standing in front of her and thrusts slowly with his entire body, not just his hips. > This position is good for people with lower back pain. The pillow supports the woman. The full body thrust puts little to no pressure on the man's back. SPOONING How it works: Both partners lie on their sides curled up. The man enters from behind. > Allow the hands to be free to stimulate other erogenous zones. > This position suits many people with fibromyalgia. The bed provides a lot of support and relieves pressure from the lower limbs. SPOONING VARIATION How it works: The man lies on his side on his elbow with his hand > The woman lies on her back and is perpendicular to the man with her pelvis reaching his pelvis. supporting his head. > This position is ideal for people with back pain and/or arthritis. It puts less stress on aching joints It does not require too much activity by both partners. TIME BOMB How it works: The man sits on a chair with the woman on top. The woman can face toward or away from her partner. > This position is a good choice for many people with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. It puts very little strain on the legs and back. SIDEWAYS 69 How it works: Both partners lie on their sides to orally stimulate one another. > This position is good for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It puts less pressure on the joints than the traditional 69. Neither partner has to burden the other with his or her weight. DISCLAIMERO Not all positions work for every individual or couple. If you feel any discomfort in a position, try an alternative and speak with your doctor about your specific condition, pain, or limited range of movement. Limited mobility does not have to put a stop to sex. There are plenty of positions that allow each partner to feel comfortable, despite aches, pains, or restricted movement. arthritisresearchuk.org ncbi.nlm.nih.gov dummies.com orgasms.org marylounaccarato.wordpress.com ourbodiesourselves.org Brought to you by: In partnership with: 80 X's and O's GHERGICH&Co.