Although the impact of sexual difficulties on quality of life in patients with hip osteoarthritis has been documented in previous literature, recent research has shown that surgeons rarely discuss this sensitive topic with patients. The purpose of this study was to develop an educational tool to address common questions that patients may have regarding returning to sexual activity following their total hip arthroplasty (THA).

The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, patients who underwent a THA between 2013–2017 at a single centre were retrospectively identified and sent an anonymous online survey. This survey was aimed at assessing patient-specific concerns regarding whether they would have liked to receive information about returning to sexual activity, what information they would have liked to know and how they would have liked to receive this information. An educational tool was developed based on the findings of Phase 1. In Phase 2, prospective patients who were scheduled for a unilateral or bilateral THA were provided with the educational tool prior to their surgery. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate the effectiveness of this educational tool. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were used for data analysis.

In Phase 1, the overall response rate was 34.7% (n = 58/167). Out of the total respondents, 51.7% indicated an interest in receiving information on when to return to sexual activity following a THA. Patients selected an informational pamphlet as the most desired method of receiving information (p = .044). In Phase 2, the response rate was 54.5% (n = 30/55). Overall, 90% of patients felt that the pamphlet addressed all their concerns, and 93.3% felt they were provided with adequate information on how they could get more information. The pamphlet addressed questions regarding when it was safe to resume sexual activity following a THA, what positions were safe, and the associated risks.

Individuals undergoing a THA are modestly interested in receiving information regarding when to return to sexual activity following their surgery, especially those who are sexually active preoperatively. This educational pamphlet may be useful in routine clinical practice in addressing concerns regarding returning to sexual activity. Understanding patients' goals and expectations for their postoperative course may help surgeons provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care.