Rheumatoid arthritis and the pain it causes can affect your sex life. Here’s the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and sex, and ways to improve intimacy with your partner.
Rheumatoid arthritis brings joint pain and fatigue that can affect many aspects of your life. It can get in the way of housework and daily activities. It can also be difficult to experience intimate moments while managing the symptoms of the condition. This is probably why rheumatoid arthritis and sex don’t gel well. The condition can cause so much pain that it can be difficult for you to get up each morning. Not only that, it can also lead to other sexual challenges such as decreased libido as well as low self-esteem. However, there are some tips that can help you enjoy a healthy sex life even as you struggle with the discomfort and pain associated with the disease.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
It is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain and possible joint deformity over time. “It’s a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, particularly the lining of the joints,” explains rheumatologist Dr. Soham Kadam. This immune attack causes persistent inflammation, which leads to damage to joint structures and sometimes affects other organs, such as the eyes, lungs and heart. It usually starts in smaller joints, such as those in the hands and feet, and can spread to larger joints such as the knees, shoulders, and hips. It’s a health condition that’s two to three times more common in women than men, according to research published in Women’s Health magazine in 2008.
The exact cause is unknown, but genetics may contribute to it. “Factors such as smoking and obesity can act as triggers in people who are genetically predisposed,” says the expert.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Symptoms vary, but generally include joint pain, stiffness and swelling that often starts in the small joints of the hands and feet. “A key sign of this condition is morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, which may resolve during the day but returns with periods of inactivity,” says Dr. Kadam. This stiffness, combined with swelling, creates a feeling of warmth and tenderness in the affected joints. Other common early symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Low fever
- Loss of appetite
These often accompany joint discomfort. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body and cause dry eyes, inflammation around the heart or lungs, and small bumps under the skin.
Rheumatoid arthritis and sex: See how it affects intimacy
This health condition can significantly affect your sex life. It can cause sexual dysfunction such as decreased libido, according to research published in World Journal of Orthopedics in 2014. An earlier study published in Rheumatology magazine in 2003, showed that 56 percent of participants with rheumatoid arthritis had limitations in sexual intercourse. The main reasons they cited were fatigue and pain. Limited joint movement as well as problems with body image and self-esteem can also affect sexual function in people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to research published in The Egyptian Rheumatologist magazine in 2013. Here’s the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and sex:
- Joint pain, stiffness and fatigue can make sexual activity uncomfortable or even painful, leading to low libido.
- Chronic fatigue is common in people with this condition, so it can reduce interest in sexual activities.
- Coping with a chronic illness can lead to anxiety and body image issues, which can negatively impact sexual desire and intimacy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sex: Ways to Improve Your Sex Life
1. Open communication
Get your partner involved and let them know about rheumatoid arthritis and sex. Discussing feelings, needs, and boundaries openly with your partner is essential to improving intimacy. “This type of arthritis can be unpredictable, with symptoms like pain and fatigue varying from day to day, so sharing updates on how you’re feeling can help your partner stay in sync,” says the expert.
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2. Consult your doctor
Some of the drugs can help with the pain, but they can affect your sexual health. Methotrexate, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, is generally well tolerated but may lead to decreased libido in some people, according to research published in Brazilian Journal of Rheumatology in 2015. Contacting rheumatologists or physical therapists will allow you to adjust treatments.
3. Pain management techniques
Since this type of arthritis causes inflammation and pain in the joints, it is necessary to manage these discomforts, especially during intimate moments. Common pain relief techniques include:
- Taking a warm bath or shower before intercourse can relax sore muscles and increase blood flow to the affected areas, reducing pain and stiffness.
- Using cold packs can help reduce inflammation and numb painful areas, especially around joints, providing temporary relief, says the expert
4. Experiment with sex positions
Finding comfortable sex positions that minimize stress on the joints is crucial. The side position is one of the best sex positions for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It will allow both you and your partners to lie on your sides, minimizing joint strain and facilitating muscle relaxation. “Strategically placing pillows under your hips, knees, or back can provide extra support to maintain a pain-free posture,” says Dr. Kadam.
5. Planned intimacy
Having planned sex, especially when energy levels are at their peak, can make a big difference. Find times when you are naturally most rested, which are often after a nap or after a relaxing bath, to enhance the experience. This may also include choosing a time of day that is usually more comfortable, such as mornings or afternoons, as opposed to later in the evening, when fatigue tends to worsen more strongly.
6. Emotional support
The association between rheumatoid arthritis and sex life can cause emotional challenges, including feelings of frustration, guilt, or body image concerns, all of which can affect your willingness or desire to be intimate. Seeking emotional support through individual counseling, couples counseling, or support groups specifically for people with rheumatoid arthritis can be helpful. They will help process the complex emotions that accompany chronic illness.
7. Stay active
Physical activity for everyone, especially for people with this type of arthritis. “Stretching, yoga or low-intensity aerobic activities such as swimming can improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness and increase circulation, which can positively affect sexual function,” says the expert. Physical activity also boosts overall energy levels and mood, which can help improve sex drive.
Rheumatoid arthritis and sex life can be managed well with the help of communication with your partner, physical and therapeutic adjustments, and emotional support.
