Lupus and Sex

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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.