|
The
constant pain and fatigue associated with lupus may make
it difficult to cope with the physical and emotional aspects
of sex. In addition, some medications used to treat lupus
can cause problems. Some of these drugs may decrease your
sex drive. Other drugs may lessen sexual arousal or make
it difficult to achieve an orgasm.
Some
people with lupus also have a condition known as Raynaud
s phenomenon. Exposure to cold causes spasms in the small
blood vessels of the finger and toes. This reduces blood
flow and may cause fingers and toes to turn white or blue
and numb. During sex, the flow of blood increases to the
genital area and decreases to other areas of the body,
including the fingers. This can cause the numbness and
pain of Raynaud s phenomenon to occur.
Other
problems also can interfere with sexual activity, such
as oral and genital sores, vaginal dryness, and yeast
infections. You may feel less attractive because of skin
rashes that are difficult to control.
Your
partner may not understand the changes in your desire,
the fact that you may feel unattractive, or the physical
problems you are experiencing. He or she may think you
are no longer attracted to him or her. On the other hand,
you may feel your partner is avoiding you, when he or
she is trying to be sensitive to your needs and is afraid
of hurting you or causing you more pain during sexual
contact.
These
issues may be hard for you to talk about. However, a mutual
willingness to have open and honest discussions with your
partner can play an important part in understanding the
issues that are affecting your relationship. If the two
of you cannot resolve your problems together, seek help
from your doctor, nurse, or a counselor experienced in
working with people who have lupus.
|
.gif)
