Pelvic rest is often recommended for certain medical conditions or procedures. It typically involves avoiding penetration and limiting physical activities that may disrupt the pelvic area. A common question is whether pelvic rest rules out oral sex.
What is pelvic rest?
Pelvic rest refers to limiting physical activity and sexual activity that may put pressure on or disrupt the pelvic region. It is commonly recommended for:
- Pregnancy complications like incompetent cervix or placenta previa
- After gynecological procedures like a LEEP or cervical cerclage placement
- To allow pelvic tissue to heal after surgery, infection, or injury
- To manage pelvic pain conditions like endometriosis or pelvic floor dysfunction
The exact restrictions vary, but pelvic rest often means:
- No vaginal intercourse
- No orgasms
- No physical activity that exerts the pelvic muscles like weightlifting
- Limitations on physical activity based on your unique situation
Pelvic rest is usually temporary until a condition resolves or until healing has occurred. The duration can range from a few days to several months.
Does pelvic rest mean no oral sex?
Whether or not oral sex is allowed during pelvic rest depends on your individual situation and instructions from your healthcare provider. There are a few key considerations:
Avoiding orgasms
Many pelvic rest orders advise avoiding orgasms, including clitoral orgasms from oral sex. Orgasms can cause contractions in the pelvic muscles, which can disrupt healing if pelvic rest was recommended for something like pelvic surgery or endometriosis.
If your provider has advised against orgasms, oral sex should be avoided as well.
Infections
Pelvic rest is often recommended after procedures like a LEEP or cervical cerclage placement to lower infection risk. Oral sex may transfer bacteria to the vagina or cervix, increasing infection risk.
So if you are on pelvic rest to avoid infection, oral sex is typically not considered safe.
Irritation
Sometimes pelvic rest allows for sex but advises avoiding irritation to the cervix or vaginal walls. The motions involved in oral sex may cause irritation to these sensitive tissues.
If your pelvic rest guidelines aim to prevent irritation or inflammation, oral sex may be off limits.
Light activity restrictions
For less strict pelvic rest, oral sex may be permitted as long as it does not cause you pain. Light clitoral stimulation does not typically disrupt pelvic healing.
So in cases of light activity restriction only, oral may be allowed. Discuss any discomfort with your provider.
Bed rest
The strictest form of pelvic rest involves full bed rest. In these cases, any sexual activity including oral would not be advised. Complete pelvic rest is usually only prescribed in high risk pregnancies.
Talking to your healthcare provider
The best approach is to speak with the healthcare provider who recommended pelvic rest. They can consider your specific diagnosis and clarify if oral stimulation is permitted or not. Questions to ask:
- Is any sexual activity allowed? Or should it be avoided completely?
- Are orgasms allowed or should they be avoided?
- Is light external clitoral stimulation permitted?
- Are there any motions or positions I should avoid?
- When can I resume normal sexual activity?
They can help determine if oral sex is considered safe based on the reasons behind your pelvic rest guidelines.
Positions to consider
If your provider confirms oral sex is permitted during your pelvic rest, you may want to avoid positions that put pressure on the pelvic or abdominal region. Some options include:
Receiving oral sex:
- Laying on your back with a pillow under your head – avoids abdominal pressure
- Propped up on elbows – takes pressure off pelvis
- Side lying position – keeps weight off pelvis
Giving oral sex:
- Your partner reclined on a pillow – no pressure on pelvic area
- In a chair or edge of bed while you kneel
- Side lying – keeps pelvis relaxed
Focus on positions that feel comfortable and do not cause any pain or irritation. Stop immediately if you have any discomfort.
Other forms of intimacy
If oral sex is not permitted during your pelvic rest, you can explore other forms of intimacy like:
- Massage and full body touch
- Manual stimulation above the pelvic region
- Sharing a warm bath
- Spooning and cuddling
- Sensual kissing and stroking
These activities allow you to feel connected without disrupting pelvic rest.
Use caution and communicate
Pelvic rest can be frustrating, but it is prescribed for an important reason – to allow your body to heal. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance closely. If you are ever unsure about an activity, avoid it or check with your provider first.
Keep communicating with your partner during pelvic rest as well. Discuss other ways to remain intimate until your restrictions are lifted. With some creativity, you can still enjoy sexual connection. Most importantly, adhere to the activity guidelines from your healthcare team. This will help ensure optimal healing.
The bottom line
Whether or not oral sex is allowed during pelvic rest depends on the specific guidelines from your healthcare provider. If orgasms must be avoided or infection risk is a concern, oral sex is typically not considered safe. For lighter activity restriction, oral may be permitted if comfortable. Check with your provider to understand exactly what types of sexual activity are allowed based on your unique situation. With communication and creativity, you can maintain intimacy until normal sexual activity is approved.