How can we stay physically close while his circumcision heals?

July 13, 2011 4:29 PM

How can we stay physically close while his circumcision heals?

My boyfriend of a year had a circumcision a week and a half ago for medical reasons. As such, any time he gets an erection it's really rather painful and will be until the stitches dissolve. We're already feeling the strain of not being able to be physically affectionate in our usual ways (minus sex, we've not been able to have it yet due to said medical reasons). What are some good ways to cope with this for the next month or so?

posted by daysocks to Human Relations (5 answers total)

Have you tried touch that isn't necessarily sexually stimulating? Massage, or even simple stroking (like petting a cat, but on a person) can be extremely intimate and affectionate.
posted by linettasky at 5:27 PM on July 13, 2011 [1 favorite]

It may sound really dumb, but psychologists have shown that simply sitting together, hugging and looking into each others eyes is a good way of building affection and feelings of security.
posted by smithsmith at 6:58 PM on July 13, 2011 [1 favorite]

Men want cuddles.
posted by obiwanwasabi at 8:48 PM on July 13, 2011

Spooning/cuddling, back massage, or head-rubs are all great.

Especially the head rubs.
posted by Aizkolari at 4:04 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]

Massages, cuddling, bathing/showering together, head rubs: all awesome.

But I'll go out on a limb and suggest prostate massage, too. Talk to his doctor if you have any questions, but I have a, uh, "friend" for whom this was nothing short of miraculous when his penis was similarly out of commission... and then long thereafter.
posted by mauvest at 7:10 AM on July 14, 2011