The physical and emotional
concerns related to sexuality and arthritis can weigh heavily on someone who
thinks he, or she, is the only one with doubts or uncertainties. If this is you,
rest easy – you are not alone. Our request for your questions on this topic
brought hundreds of letters. To get you the information and support you need, we
gathered a group of experts who would honestly and sensitively answer the most
commonly asked questions.
The experts Arthritis Today consulted – both the
professionals and the people with arthritis – believe there are solutions.
Though familiar with the challenges, vulnerabilities and frustrations that you
wrote about, not one had any doubt that a healthy, satisfying sex life is
possible for everyone with arthritis or a related condition. You and your
partner can learn to adapt and communicate in ways that may make your desire
stronger, your experience more fulfilling, and your relationship even deeper
than it has ever been.
“What’s wonderful to see,” says Judith Seifer, PhD, a
community health educator specializing in sexuality and chronic illness, “is
many times, when people are forced to make changes, a whole new world of
intimacy opens up to them.”
Whatever your sexual concerns or physical challenges, those
on our expert panel encourage you to continue searching for ways to express
yourself sexually.
Remember, you do not have to stop living a full and
satisfying life just because you have a chronic disease.
Carolyn Dodge acknowledges that having arthritis or a
related condition creates unique emotional and physical concerns in every aspect
of life. “I don’t mean to be flippant, but sex is the easy part,” she
says, laughing. “All of us can
figure out ways to make it work, if we have a partner we can trust and talk to
openly, one who has a sense of humor and who is willing to have a go at it.”
So, with that in mind, take some time to learn about making
the most of your sex life.
