Sex and Arthritis.
Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005
Accept body changes and restore self-imageA healthy self-image Changes in your joints and other areas due to arthritis may change
the way you look and the way you move. Body changes do not change who
you are as a person; however, they can interfere with an otherwise
healthy self-image by causing you to feel less attractive, less
youthful, or less confident sexually or socially. It is possible to
work through these negative feelings, to accept body changes, and to
maintain your personal interest in life. Here are some ways to do this.
Accept
Accepting change can take time. You may have feelings of resentment,
anger, grief, blame, or depression about your or your partner's
arthritis. These feelings are natural, and you should not criticize
yourself for thinking them. Accepting such feelings is the first step
that will enable you to work through them. You will then find you can
replace negative feelings with a realistic acceptance of how your body
has changed.
Communicate
If you have arthritis, ask your partner how he or she feels about
the changes in your body. If your partner is concerned that sexual
activity may be painful for you, or has negative feelings about the
changes in your body, he or she may be anxious about being sexual with
you. You may both begin to avoid sex altogether, and this could create
tension between you. Talking with one another can help prevent this.
If you are not very interested in sex, or are less able to have sex
physically, share these feelings with your partner. This helps prevent
misunderstandings and enables you both to stay close with one another
at times when you may need it most.
You can continue to express affection while seeking ways to please
your partner and yourself, physically. By talking to one another, you
can work together to discover satisfying options for both of you. If
it's difficult to begin talking about these matters, you might find
help from your doctor, minister, nurse, social worker, or therapist.
Take care of yourself
Careful grooming can help you improve your self-image. Selecting the
right cut or design in clothes and choosing becoming colors will help
you look and feel better. Make it one of your daily goals to look your
best. It will boost your morale and have a positive effect on those
around you.
Don't accept stereotypes
If you are disabled by arthritis, some people may mistakenly assume
you're not interested in sex. You certainly don't have to accept this
view of yourself. People with severe disabilities can and do have
satisfying sexual relationships. Satisfying sex can help you accept
changes in your body, enhance your confidence in your own sexuality,
and help you feel better physically.
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