Pain, fatigue, the disease itself, medication side-effects, loss of desire, sexual dysfunction, and changes in relationships affect our sexual health. Humans are created as sexual beings and sometimes illness and disease get in the way from enjoying this aspect of our lives.
So what can we do about it?
In every healthy marriage and relationship, intimacy plays an important role. For those living with disease which causes disability, such as rheumatoid arthritis), maintaining a satisfying sex life can be an arduous task. But don’t give up, there are ways to be intimate and adapt to changing needs.
Be open and honest with your doctor. Discuss the physical problems and symptoms you are experiencing and any medications you are taking. If you are not comfortable talking to your current physician about these topics, you may want to find one you feel more at ease with or who specializes in sexual or intimacy-related issues.
Read this post in its entirety:
RA and Sexual Independence, Part One
Oh dear. There's so much one could and should say on this topic but given that our families and friends read (and know our screen names, lol) we remain quiet....
ReplyDeleteMaybe someone braver than I will speak up! =)