Fibromyalgia and a Sex Life?
Opening up the mind and the conversation to sex and fibromyalgia has been a daunting one for me. Not because the topic is uncomfortable, but because of the cycle, the seemingly endless catch-22 experience of fibromyalgia. Where does one begin, how does one stop the cycle of fatigue and pain that seems to invade every facet of life when living with it? And then throw sex into the mix?
Living with fibromyalgia means pain, energy loss, some times body changes and weight gain, and often strained relationships. None of these things are conducive to a robust sex life. In fact, they are all deterrents. But, the act of having an active sex life can combat these issues, if you are able to get through the fatigue, the communication barriers, and the fear that often accompanies thoughts of being sexually active while living with fibromyalgia.
The act of sex itself releases endorphins that actually help to ease pain and produce a euphoric effect. Also, taking part in sexual activity can be a form of exercise, it can burn calories, and help a person to feel more self-confident and desirable. Making the effort to keep or repair your sexual relationship with your partner may be just what you need, but getting back into “the groove” is a challenge in and off itself.
I have found some amazing and resourceful articles to help those suffering from fibromyalgia to feel better about getting their love life back on track. From learning how to relax more fully before a sexual encounter to making the process more enjoyable and painless; there are others who know what it is like and can offer understanding. There are good, good reasons for making this a priority. Enjoying your sex life can help you to feel better, so why not read up on it?
Here's what I've found:
Recovering Your Sexuality: Learn How You Can Have a Fulfilling Sex ...
Reclaim Your Sexuality
Fibromyalgia & Sexual Dysfunction
Chronic Pain & Sex: A Couple's Gentle Battle with Fibromyalgia
How Sex Keeps You Healthy
The Health Benefits of Sex
Do you struggle with this issue? Does your community talk about it? Do you know others who need these resources and to know they are not alone?
Share this post by using this shortened link: http://bit.ly/9KbGf0
It helped me to know that others living with Fibromyalgia can offer help and understanding. Please feel free to leave comments and feedback here.
Living with fibromyalgia means pain, energy loss, some times body changes and weight gain, and often strained relationships. None of these things are conducive to a robust sex life. In fact, they are all deterrents. But, the act of having an active sex life can combat these issues, if you are able to get through the fatigue, the communication barriers, and the fear that often accompanies thoughts of being sexually active while living with fibromyalgia.
The act of sex itself releases endorphins that actually help to ease pain and produce a euphoric effect. Also, taking part in sexual activity can be a form of exercise, it can burn calories, and help a person to feel more self-confident and desirable. Making the effort to keep or repair your sexual relationship with your partner may be just what you need, but getting back into “the groove” is a challenge in and off itself.
I have found some amazing and resourceful articles to help those suffering from fibromyalgia to feel better about getting their love life back on track. From learning how to relax more fully before a sexual encounter to making the process more enjoyable and painless; there are others who know what it is like and can offer understanding. There are good, good reasons for making this a priority. Enjoying your sex life can help you to feel better, so why not read up on it?
Here's what I've found:
Recovering Your Sexuality: Learn How You Can Have a Fulfilling Sex ...
Reclaim Your Sexuality
Fibromyalgia & Sexual Dysfunction
Chronic Pain & Sex: A Couple's Gentle Battle with Fibromyalgia
How Sex Keeps You Healthy
The Health Benefits of Sex
Do you struggle with this issue? Does your community talk about it? Do you know others who need these resources and to know they are not alone?
Share this post by using this shortened link: http://bit.ly/9KbGf0
It helped me to know that others living with Fibromyalgia can offer help and understanding. Please feel free to leave comments and feedback here.
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Comment by Ellen S on May 24, 2010 at 8:47pm -
Oh Amy, what a great subject. Great because it's important and gets hidden under a blanket as a taboo subject.
My old Neurologist reminded me that there is a difference between "just sex" and gratifying sex, and the greatest benefits are not derived from "just sex". Let's face it, when you have a health issue, sex is difficult enough, but making it a good experience can seem almost impossible at times. Most people seem to take this all for granted, but so much effort goes into the lives of the chronically ill, that this is one of the most trying parts of their situations. The chronically ill do not take it for granted.
This sounds like such an awesome question to bring to my communities. Hmmmm, I wonder what their reactions will be......
There are some of our communities that freely discuss sex in relation to their illnesses, but not all. I think whether it is freely discussed depends greatly upon the community itself. One of the best communities to discuss freely and quite frankly about the limitations of sex in their chronic condition, is the WEGO Health Dystonia community - really! In fact, there are two whole pages of discussions in their group that discuss it. The great thing about it, is that those discussions often cross the boundaries of Dystonia, straight into other debilitating, painful illnesses like fibro. I hope you get a chance to take a look at those threads and see what you think...
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Comment by Amy K on May 24, 2010 at 11:24pm -
Thanks so much Ellen!
It is a tough topic and I am so glad to know that the Dystonia group has been able to communicate about it. When I began writing this post I experience a flood of emotions, mostly sadness. It isn't about "just sex" but about our connections and relationships. Chronic illness can really be tough on that part of our lives, touching all facets of a relationship, including sex.
I look forward to checking out what others have been saying there and I hope people will feel comfortable sharing here, as well.
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Comment by amanda on May 25, 2010 at 11:23am -
Great topic Amy! I know this question has to come up in health communities but it's especially important for Health Activists to talk about because it's a tough one - if we can help lead the conversation in an open, honest way that will definitely help others speak up or just feel better about their sex life in light of living with their health condition. I hope people will bring this one back to their communities!
Janeen also wrote a great blog a while back "Allergic Reactions During Sex"
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Comment by Sarah on May 25, 2010 at 3:29pm -
Fabulous topic, Amy and as tough as it is to broach, I'm glad that you did.
I live with chronic pain and while it gets in the way of my sex life, I also have seen the positive benefits of the endorphin release. I am in agreement with Ellen with the differentiation between "just" sex and "gratifying" sex. Sometimes it's just the closeness that I need, sometimes it's the endorphin release. Thankfully I'm with a man who understands not only my pain condition (he's done his own research on it) but *me* as a person and tries his best to do whatever I need to get me through those tough times.
I hope to see what more people have to say about the subject ... so that I'm not just talking sex with my coworkers! *off to Tweet it*
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Comment by Amy K on May 26, 2010 at 12:20am
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It is such a blessing that you have that understanding of a partner who has taken it upon himself to research and learn more about what you are contending with Sarah!
I am so glad you shared here, too... and thanks for sharing the post on Twitter. It would be great to continue getting feedback about this topic.
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Comment by Alicia C. Staley on May 26, 2010 at 10:51pm -
Amy, thanks for tackling this subject and sharing your thoughts!
Sarah, thanks for offering your personal story too.
you may have inspired me to write about sex life after a double mastectomy...
It's definitely not covered as much as it should in breast cancer communities!
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Comment by Amy K on May 26, 2010 at 11:50pm
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Oh Alicia, I think it would be wonderful if you wrote about that. I am sure there are so many who would be helped by it!
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Comment by FeliciaFibro on April 14, 2011 at 4:03am -
Thanks for bringing up this topic, Amy. A recent Arthritis Today article inspired me to write a post about intimacy, just last month. I offered suggestions - defining intimacy, timing, therapy, physical aspects, reading suggestions and general benefits. If you're interested, here is a link: http://feliciafibro.com/2011/03/21/can-intimacy-chronic-pain-coexist/
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Comment by Amy K on April 14, 2011 at 11:11am
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Thank you for sharing your post here Felicia! I look forward to reading it and I know others will benefit from it as well.
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