How Arthritis Complicates Sex
Living and coping with arthritis can impact a person's sexuality. There are a variety of problems and difficulties which can arise due to the physical and psychological changes that arthritis causes.
Physical Interference
Several factors can hamper the pleasure of sex including:
Whatever can be done to alleviate the pain, fatigue, and limitation of arthritis is important to an enjoyable sexual encounter. Many people find that a warm bath, hot shower, or soak in a hot tub can relax the body and eliminate some stiffness.
Medications
Taking medications beforehand also allows for maximum pain relief benefit when most needed.
Dealing With Fatigue
Fatigue can greatly affect energy levels. Fatigue can be especially debilitating when arthritis is actively flaring.
Exercise
Others find that light exercise can loosen up or limber up the body.
Morning Stiffness / Changing Positions
Changing the time of day can be beneficial, since some people experience more discomfort at particular times of the day. Also, changing sexual positions can greatly relieve stress on particular joints.
Psychological Interference
Psychological problems can interfere in a sexual relationship too. It is not uncommon for a person with arthritis to have a poor self-image at times. As the body becomes distorted from the arthritis, so may the person's self-image and self-esteem. This can lead to a certain reluctance to share a physical relationship with someone.
Positive Approach
Whatever can be done to enhance ones appearance and create a positive self-image is most helpful.
Dealing With Emotions
The negative emotions depression, and anxiety that a chronic painful condition can produce can truly interfere and needs to be overcome.
Honest Communication
It is imperative for sexual partners to have good communication. The partners must be able to share their concerns and work out their difficulties together. As the problems are being worked out, this can create a special closeness between the two partners.
Chronic Illness Complicates Relationships
When chronic illness strikes, difficulties develop between partners which are so complex that statistics show that nearly 85% of marriages faced with these challenges eventually fail.
