January 2025: Back Pain, Intimacy, and Safer Ulcer Options

This month we published two practical guides you can use now: one on how back pain can affect your sex life and how to ease it, and another listing eight alternatives to Cytotec (misoprostol) for treating stomach ulcers. Both pieces focus on simple actions you can try and questions to take to your provider.

Back pain and intimacy — real fixes you can try

Back pain often makes sex feel risky or exhausting. Start by talking openly with your partner about what hurts and what feels safe. Use short, specific sentences to explain pain locations and positions that increase or reduce discomfort. Try changing timing — choose when you have the most energy and the least pain, such as after a warm shower or in the evening if that’s when you feel best.

Position changes can cut pain fast. Try side-lying positions with pillows between knees, or sitting with support so your spine stays neutral. Avoid deep bending or heavy twisting. Use heat packs for 15–20 minutes before intimacy to relax muscles. Gentle stretching or a quick walk beforehand can ease stiffness. If pain spikes, pause and switch to non-penetrative touch or massage to keep closeness without forcing movement that hurts.

Medication and therapy help too. Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce acute pain; muscle relaxants or prescription options are for doctor guidance. Ask your provider about a referral to physical therapy — a tailored exercise plan often shrinks pain and builds confidence. Pelvic floor exercises can also improve comfort during sex for some people. And don’t forget aids: thicker cushions, wedges, and adjustable beds make positions easier and safer.

Cytotec alternatives for ulcer treatment — what to know

If you’re looking beyond Cytotec (misoprostol) for ulcer care, there are several routes to consider. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole lower stomach acid strongly and are a first-line choice for many ulcers. H2 blockers such as famotidine reduce acid too but are milder than PPIs. Sucralfate acts as a protective coating over the ulcer to promote healing without changing acid levels.

Other options include antacids and alginates (for example, Gaviscon) that neutralize or block reflux briefly, and bismuth-based treatments used with antibiotics when H. pylori infection is present. Each option has pros and cons: PPIs are powerful but may need monitoring if used long term, while sucralfate is safer for some people but less convenient. Always confirm the cause of the ulcer — H. pylori or NSAID use — because treatment depends on that. Talk to your doctor about side effects, interactions, and the right choice for your health history.

Both posts aim to give hands-on steps you can use now: small, safe changes for intimacy while managing back pain, and a clear list of ulcer-treatment options to review with your clinician. If you want links to specific exercises, position photos, or a plain-language comparison chart of ulcer drugs, tell us which you prefer and we’ll add it next.