Find Your Local Office
Become a Member
RA Connect
Message Boards
Questions and Answers
Focus on You
Easy to Use Products
Tips for Living with Arthritis
Guide to Sports Injury Prevention
Arthritis in the Workplace
Travel and Arthritis
Volunteering
Dogs and Arthritis
 

The Questions
It's Too Painful
Decrease in Desire
Sex and Flares
New Joints
Getting Creative
Moisture Problems
Body Image
Scared of Infidelity
Starting Over
Get What You Need
Sex as a Painkiller

Talking About It
Where to Find Help
The Experts
Who's Who
Take Me Back
Marriage and Family
Relationships and Dating
Other Resources
Beyond Chaos
Celebrate Life
Guide to Intimacy

Guide to Intimacy with Arthritis

Question
"Could having sex cause flares?”

Answer
No. Rheumatologist Michael Belmont, MD, says some people may experience a day or two of increased pain or stiffness following sexual activity – just as they might after participating more vigorously than usual in an event of any kind. But, you should be reassured that this is a temporary symptom and not a flare. If you have swelling, redness or tenderness in and around one or more joints for a week or longer, then you may be experiencing a flare. In that case, it’s important to consult your doctor.


EMAIL THIS PAGE