Fibromyalgia is a pain- literally. This condition, characterized by chronic widespread pain, can have some significant physical impacts on you as an individual. You will find that the muscle pain and fatigue that comes along with this condition can be some very debilitating symptoms that can have an effect on every aspect of your daily life.
However, one of the effects of fibromyalgia that is not talked about very much is the effect that it has on a person’s sex life. Of course, a decreased sex drive is not a common symptom of fibromyalgia, but it can definitely lead to an overall lack of sexual interest- or libido- which is a condition that very often comes along with anxiety, depression, stress, and poor sleeping habits.
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, it is very important that you take some time to learn about the impacts it can have on your sexuality. After all, a lack of sexual intimacy between partners can cause a breakdown in the emotional bonds.
Women Vs. Men
You should know that fibromyalgia is much more common in women than it is in men. Still, the impact of fibromyalgia on sexuality is very important to men because these effects can have an affect on both partners in a relationship.
Link Between Fibromyalgia and Libido
You may be wondering what the link is between the condition of fibromyalgia and libido, or why fibromyalgia would result in a decrease in sexual desire. Here is the answer:
Pain
Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in the muscles, which causes squeezing and pressure in the area of the lower back and pelvis. When two partners are having intercourse, these muscles will cramp up, which leads to major discomfort. Therefore, sexual intimacy becomes associated with pain and negative sensations and becomes something to be avoided.
Fatigue
Additionally, the fatigue of fibromyalgia can cause interruptions in sleep patterns, which also affects sexual intimacy because the person suffering from the symptoms of fibromyalgia simply doesn’t have the energy needed to have sexual intercourse.
Medications
Medications used to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia play a role in curbing sexual desire. These medications typically contain high levels of serotonin, which causes a decrease in a person’s libido as well as a decrease in erectile functioning.
Emotional Aspects of Fibromyalgia
Another part of fibromyalgia that plays a vital role in the relationship between the condition and an individual’s sexuality is the emotional piece to struggling with it. Fibromyalgia can cause a person to have a very low self-image due to the changes their body goes through. They will have changes in their weight and will lose muscle mass. Therefore, their self-esteem will be impacted due to the fact that their feelings of depression and anxiety will soar to an often extremely overwhelming level. It’s true that anti-depressants can help this- but as mentioned above, they can cause a decrease in sexual function and desire.
Sex Can Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms
So, while it is true that sex truly can help to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia such as depression and pain, the condition itself causes a decrease in the individual’s sexual desire. The pain and fatigue hinder a person’s natural ability and desire to have sexual intercourse.
Sex can help to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia by releasing positive hormones in a person’s brain. These positive hormones help to decrease the distress that an individual is feeling both emotionally and physically.
What to Do
If you’re struggling with fibromyalgia and you want to get your sex life back, it is very important that you’re willing to accept the changes in your sex life that will come with fibromyalgia syndrome. Take the time to learn all you can about this condition and the effects it is going to have on your sexual intimacy and your sex life. Discuss these as well as your personal concerns with your partner so that you can stay connected both intellectually and emotionally. Consistent communication helps to keep that emotional and intellectual bond going, which will eventually boost your sexual intimacy.
Another great idea is to improve your personal self-care regimen. Taking the time to groom yourself and exercise when possible can help you to look and feel your best, which can also enhance your sexual desire. Get your partner involved when you go exercise to increase sexual intimacy- a great way to do this is to go for a walk together.
If Your Partner Has Fibromyalgia
If you are the partner that is not suffering from fibromyalgia- you must realize that you need to take a more active role in sex. You can initiate it more often or even come up with some ideas to increase your sexual intimacy, including new positions.
By doing this, you’re helping your partner out. You’re providing an emotional and a physical crutch for your partner to lean on. They won’t feel pressured to try to please and can focus on the benefits of sex for their condition.
Making the time and effort to plan your sexual intimacy is very important. While it may seem that this a cold, clinical way of approaching sex, it can help to make sure both partners are up for sexual intimacy both physically and mentally. For example, it may be helpful to plan sex for the morning time, when the person suffering from fibromyalgia is likely to have more energy. This will help to increase the participation and pleasure of both partners.
You should always remember that sexuality is more than just sexual intercourse. It also includes other intimate activities such as taking baths or showers together, giving each other massages, and other things to rekindle the intimacy. Massages and showers or baths also help to promote relaxation, which helps to create an emotional and mental state that is conducive to sex.
More Tips and Tricks
If your medications for fibromyalgia are having an impact on your libido, you may want to talk to your physician about it and look into some alternatives. Also, consider joining online forums to help relieve your feelings of frustration or insecurity with sex because this will connect you with others who are experiencing the same thing. Discussing problems with them can help you to feel much less isolated and can also provide you with a wonderful emotional support system.
Finally, make sure that you always stay connected with your partner and your emotions. This will help your libido tremendously, and will help to ease your symptoms of fibromyalgia and therefore improve your overall health.
Fibromyalgia and Sex: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-and-sex
Fibromyalgia and Sexuality: http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_sexuality.html
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