Relationships, Intimacy and Sex with Arthritis
Arthritis Life9 Sep 2020

Relationships, Intimacy and Sex with Arthritis

Navigating intimate relationships while managing a chronic illness can be tricky - how and when do you disclose your disability? How do you experiment with sexual positions without “ruining the mood?” Is it possible to communicate with your partner in a way that’s respectful and empowering?

In this episode, five panelists share their best advice for *all* aspects of romantic and intimate relationships, including:

  • Communication tips for all stages of relationships, from first dates to marriage
  • How to workaround fatigue that makes it hard to get “in the mood”
  • Positions that work for wrist or hip pain
  • Lubes that work for dryness
  • Workarounds for jaw pain during oral sex
  • How do disabilities or health conditions contribute to power dynamics in relationships
  • The importance of emotional connections
  • The importance of self-love and respect
  • Why STD prevention and protection are particularly important for people on immunosuppressive medications
  • Panelists’ best advice for newly diagnosed patients who might be worried about how their condition will affect their sex life and relationships

*Trigger warning - in minutes 30-40 there are descriptions of pressuring and coercion into sex without protection

**This episode discusses adult topics (sex) and includes explicit language.

Minute by Minute breakdown:

Episode breakdown:

  • 02:00 - Introduction to panelists: Chloe, Jo, Ali, Paulina & Cheryl.
  • 3:20 - (Chloe) How juvenile arthritis affected her relationships
  • 07:55 – (Jo) How Jo learned the importance of communication
  • 11:42 – (Ali) Learning to experiment with positions and work around fatigue
  • 16:20 - (Paulina) The importance of communication & emotional connection
  • 23:00 - (Cheryl) Reflection on power dynamics in relationships.
  • 24:25 – (Chloe) Strong emotional connections affect vaginal lubrication.
  • 25:22 – (Chloe) How jaw pain affects oral sex & workarounds, + how fatigue affects sex.
  • 33:00 – (Cheryl) The importance of STD testing for partners due to immunosuppression from meds. Experiences feeling pressured in relationships.
  • 36:00 – (Chloe) Experiences feeling pressured in relationships.
  • 37:45 – (Jo) Tips for positions and lubricants.
  • 39:00– (Ali) Being cautious when dating, how to work around fatigue, tips for positions and communication.
  • 43:14 - (Paulina) Your partner is not a mind reader. Tips for lubricants for sensitive skin & positions.
  • 51:00– (Ali) Best adult toys to use for arthritis.
  • 53:00- (Chloe) Communication & practicing positions
  • 55:00 – (Cheryl) How sex is an “Activity of daily living” according to occupational therapy. Reflection on sex education now versus in the early 1990s.
  • 58:30 – (Paulina) Tips to increase sex drive and address your own pleasure.
  • 1:01:00 – (Chloe) Advice for anyone recently diagnosed.
  • 1:04:00 (Jo) – Final thoughts and advice, disclosing when you are dating online
  • 1:06:00 (Ali) – Final thoughts
  • 1:07:00 (Paulina) – Final thoughts and advice

LINKS discussed in the episode

*For full speaker bios, see www.myarthritislife.net


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episoder(211)

Making Movement Accessible with Inflammatory Arthritis, with Jamie Boder

Making Movement Accessible with Inflammatory Arthritis, with Jamie Boder

The conversation also dives into the emotional side of chronic illness, including fear of movement, the importance of interoception (body awareness), and how to avoid the boom–bust cycle of overdoing ...

2 Apr 59min

Rheumer Has It:  Myths and Misconceptions About Arthritis Research: What Patients Should Know

Rheumer Has It: Myths and Misconceptions About Arthritis Research: What Patients Should Know

Together, we walk through how to find reputable research, what “peer-reviewed” really means, and why one exciting study doesn’t equal a proven treatment. Dr. Li also explains key concepts like plain l...

26 Mar 34min

What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis?  (Encore Episode)

What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis? (Encore Episode)

They also  reflect on how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of chronic illness life and share how grief and joy can co-exist. They also highlight the importance of  finding a supportive community wi...

19 Mar 1h 15min

Building a Healthier Relationship with Food while Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (with Dietitian Cristina Montoya)

Building a Healthier Relationship with Food while Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (with Dietitian Cristina Montoya)

Cristina and Cheryl also discuss Cristina’s new GLOW framework: Grow gut diversity, Lower inflammation, Optimize energy, and Work with your body compassionately. The conversation also covers gut healt...

12 Mar 54min

RA, Cancer, and Starting Over: Yasmin’s Story of Resilience

RA, Cancer, and Starting Over: Yasmin’s Story of Resilience

Yasmin also shares what it was like to navigate multiple major health crises at once, including serious GI symptoms and an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, and how it all impacted her mental health...

5 Mar 49min

Introducing Chrissy, the newest Rheum to THRIVE Certified Facilitator!

Introducing Chrissy, the newest Rheum to THRIVE Certified Facilitator!

Cheryl and Chrissy also do a deep dive into the Rheum to THRIVE program and discuss their excitement over Chrissy taking on a new role as the lead facilitator of an upcoming cohort.  Chrissy’s facilit...

26 Feb 1h

Rheumer Has It: Weight, GLP-1 and Arthritis

Rheumer Has It: Weight, GLP-1 and Arthritis

They also discuss safe, realistic strategies that support joint health, including tailored exercise and strength training, plus the emerging evidence on GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide/Ozempic/Weg...

19 Feb 37min

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Medications, and Hope from Dr. Julius Birnbaum

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Medications, and Hope from Dr. Julius Birnbaum

Dr. Birnbaum also addresses common early fears, including confusion about autoimmune disease and anxiety around immunosuppressive medications, reframing treatment as dialing down an overactive immune ...

12 Feb 58min

Populært innen Fakta

mikkels-paskenotter
fastlegen
dine-penger-pengeradet
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
foreldreradet
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
treningspodden
jakt-og-fiskepodden
sinnsyn
rss-kunsten-a-leve
hverdagspsyken
gravid-uke-for-uke
rss-kull
fryktlos
hagespiren-podcast
rss-var-forste-kaffe
rss-bisarr-historie
level-up-med-anniken-binz
hva-er-greia-med
rss-impressions-2