5 Solutions for Maintaining Intimacy to Offer Your Patients with Arthritis

Two of the most common clinical manifestations of arthritis and other joint injuries are fatigue and pain. In addition to the challenges and long-term consequences of arthritis that are more commonly discussed, healthcare professionals should recognize the devastating effects these symptoms can have on a couple’s intimacy and their ability to participate in sexual activities.

For example, pain and fatigue often lead to a loss of sexual desire. Plus, finding comfortable positions for intercourse can be a challenge. Men often experience erectile dysfunction while women often experience vaginal dryness. Because conversations about sex are often avoided and sex itself may be perceived as an embarrassing subject, patients and their partners may not seek out information from their healthcare providers to help them with sex and intimacy problems caused by arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation and the American College of Rheumatology offer the following recommendations, which professionals can provide to patients who are struggling with intimacy to help them cope with and overcome these problems:

1. Make intimacy and sex a priority.

Research shows that the most common reason why any couple does not have sex is that the multitude of daily tasks we need to complete often leave us too tired or uninterested in sex. Patients shouldn’t fall into the trap of thinking, “We can have sex when we have time.” Instead, it’s better for them to plan time with their partner to ensure that sex remains a priority.

2. Choose the best time for sex and intimacy.

Some couples report that sex mid-morning may be the best. At this time, medications may be at their peak effect and fatigue has yet to set in.

3. Incorporate elements of heat and massage into lovemaking.

A warm bath together or other sources of heat or massage as a part of lovemaking may lessen pain and increase feelings of desire. Remind your patients and their partners to be sure to communicate with each other what touch really does feel good, as some massage may increase pain.

4. Try new positions that are more comfortable.

The American College of Rheumatology has recommendations for intercourse positions that won’t cause pain. These positions will work for people with all types of arthritis, not just rheumatoid arthritis. You can even point out that some patients and their partners find that the pleasure from regular sex actually decreases their pain.

5. Check out additional resources for more suggestions.
The Arthritis Foundation has excellent material on relationships. Recommend to your patient and his or her partner that they check out the American College of Rheumatology for specific suggestions about sex.

You can also check out my MedBridge courses on sexuality, illness, and aging for more ideas to offer your patients:
• Sexuality, Aging, and Chronic Illness
• What Do I Say When My Patient Asks Me about Sex?