Sex and Arthritis.
Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005
Arthritis and sexDoes arthritis affect sex? People with arthritis may encounter special challenges in attaining sexual enjoyment.
While arthritis usually doesn't directly affect the sexual parts of
the body, it can present obstacles for you or your partner, such as:
- physical problems due to arthritis--for example, fatigue, pain, stiffness, vaginal dryness
- side effects from medications. For example, fatigue, impotence, risk for infections, weight gain or bloating
- emotional reactions--for example, negative self-image, depression,
or other emotional problems that may or may not be due to arthritis
- relationship problems--for example, conflicts with your partner
related to the stresses of your illness, or your partner's fear of
causing you physical pain
Problems such as these may decrease your interest in sex and may
change how you think and feel about yourself. Your body may physically
be able to respond sexually, but the way you or your partner feels or
the way you see yourselves may limit your interest in sex.
Making love is not limited to sexual intercourse, however. There are
many other pleasurable ways to enjoy sexual relations and express love
to your partner
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