Relationship Between Sacral Slope Angle and Back Pain in Women After Sex in the Prone Position Publisher



Rezvani M ; Mahmoodkhani M ; Askariardehjani N ; Bagheri MH ; Naghizadeh M
Source: Sexuality and Disability Published:2025

Abstract

Sexual desires play a crucial role in human life, significantly contributing to individuals’ quality of life and overall health. Back pain experienced by women after intercourse may arise from anatomical issues related to their spine. One commonly adopted position is when the woman leans forward during intercourse. This study investigates whether using this position correlates with the experience of back pain, regardless of spinal alignment. By examining the sacral slope angle in women and assessing their pain levels during and after sex in specific positions, this research aims to identify a meaningful relationship between post-coital pain and the sacral slope angle. This cross-sectional study involved 162 female nurses employed at the same hospital. All subjects underwent CT scans of the lumbosacral region. The sacral slope angle and pelvic incidence angle were measured based on these scans using Medal Pacs Pro 2023 software. Participants received two sheets detailing the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) criteria. They were instructed to indicate their pain levels after engaging in vaginal sex in two positions: supine (lying on their back) and prone (on all fours). Following data collection related to the NRS scale, we analyzed the relationship between sacral slope angles and pain sensations experienced by participants in both positions. The average age of participants was 27.16 years. Pain levels following intercourse in both supine and prone positions were evaluated using the NRS scale. The average NRS score for the supine position was 2.55, while for the prone position, it was 4.7. The findings suggest that women with a greater sacral slope angle should avoid using the prone position during sex. Additionally, results indicate that as age increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing pain during sex in this position. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.