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- $Unique_ID{BRK00230}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{How an Arthritic Patient Can Enjoy Sex}
- $Subject{arthritis sex Musculoskeletal Connective Tissue tissues Arthritic
- sexual counseling physical therapy psychotherapy impaired joints hips spine
- hands hip replacements anti-inflammatory nonsteroid drugs drug medications
- medicine paraffin baths wax bath therapies corrections pregnant Cesarean
- pregnancy rheumatoid anti-inflammatory lifestyle lifestyles replacement
- medication medicines}
- $Volume{M-23}
- $Log{
- Progressive Levels of Arthritis*0005601.scf
- Typical Rheumatoid Hand Deformities*0005602.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- How an Arthritic Patient Can Enjoy Sex
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-
- QUESTION: I'm an arthritis patient, but I want to continue enjoying sex. Can
- you offer advice on how to do this?
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- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Many arthritis patients experience difficulty as they try to have
- sexual relations.
- Some patients hesitate to ask questions regarding sexual problems they
- are facing, yet it is wise to discuss those concerns with your physicians.
- While some physicians may lack the time or feel uncomfortable in offering
- detailed sexual counseling, they now can make referrals to others who
- specialize in such therapy. Among those professional approaches are physical
- therapy, arthritis counseling groups and psychotherapy.
- Physical performance in sexual relationships may be impaired if some of
- the following joints are affected by arthritis including: hips, spine and
- hands. Yet, there are treatments for each of those. Concerning hips,
- physical therapy can improve hip motion and surgical procedures that restore
- movement can improve sexual ability as well. Total hip replacements often
- greatly improve the hip motion needed for sex. If the spine is affected,
- surgery, anti-inflammatory nonsteroid drugs and physical therapy can help.
- When there is difficulty with the hands, certain drugs can help as can
- paraffin baths and other physical therapies as well as surgical corrections.
- The comfort and closeness that sexual relationships provide and the
- excitement accompanying sexual activity ease arthritic pain for long periods
- of time. Also, a rewarding sexual relationship frequently decreases self-pity
- and provides interludes of normal living that are a delightful change when one
- suffers chronic illnesses.
- Arthritis may cause major problems for pregnant women. Cesarean sections
- may be necessary for delivery. Pregnancy often lessens arthritic symptoms,
- especially in those with rheumatoid arthritis but there always is a
- possibility of severe symptoms after delivery.
- Fortunately, many sexual problems associated with arthritic problems now
- are being recognized and defined. Yours is a most legitimate question and the
- good news is that there are now answers available for you that can help, if
- you ask in the right places.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-