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Tips For You To Enjoy Sex Despite Arthritis
December 26, 2018 | Health | By Amanda Johnson
Arthritis usually happens gradually and those who are older are more prone to it. When arthritis strikes the lining of cartilage protecting our joints against jerks and shocks breaks down. This causes a lot of pain and stiffness. Stiff joints can adversely affect your mobility that may often hamper the pleasure of sex. However, this said, having arthritis does not mean that you need to put an end to your sex life. It can still be an integral part of your life. But how do you get your sex life back on track? Here’s how you do it.
Change The Time
Arthritis pain can take a toll on your energy level so if you keep having sex to only at night you will probably land up missing it more often than not. So, choose some other time of the day instead when you are feeling adequately rested. Mornings after you have stretched and walked around a bit or on weekend afternoons are definitely better options.
Take A Bath
Taking a hot shower will ease the pain and the stiffness that the arthritis causes. This will make you feel more fresh and thus when you are enjoying the moment of intimacy with your partner you will be feeling more relaxed.
Take Medicines Before The Sex
Take your medicines at least half an hour before having sex. This will reduce your aches and pains considerably before you get into the act. If it is pain then take acetaminophen or if it is joint inflammation then you may have an anti-inflammatory pain reliever like aspirin, or ibuprofen. With lesser pain and discomfort, you will be able to enjoy this moment with your partner even more.
Change Your Position
Arthritis dramatically affects one’s mobility especially if it is in the hips, knees, or spine. Due to this stiffness you will find that you don’t feel comfortable in all sex positions. Instead of keeping mum about it, speak to your partner so that the two of you together can discover new positions.
Choose A Different Location
You might find that your mind associates the bed with just sleeping. So, if you keep trying to have sex only in bed, you might just be sleeping there more than anything else. So discover other places in the house to have fun with your partner.
Use More Pillows
If you find that your back or limbs hurt during the sexual activity, then you may use props like pillows such that you feel most cushioned and comfortable. If you are doing it in the sitting position, make sure that you have a backrest so that you don’t hurt yourself.
Find New Ways To Touch
Sex is all about discovering and experimenting. So, if you find that you are unable to touch in a certain way due to arthritis then think of a new way to do so. For example if you above arthritis in your hand, then touch your partner with the back of your hand or even with a scarf or a feather. Vibrators also help those who have arthritis of the hand. So go on and discover various toys that you can have fun with.
Massage To Ease The Pain
The pain that arthritis causes can ease up a lot after a good massage. Sex is not just about intercourse but rather the entire journey that includes a lot of touch and caress. So, you can always request your partner to give you a massage before the sex. It will not only make you feel better but a message also acts as a wonderful mode of foreplay.
Exercise Beforehand
In order to alleviate the pain, do some physical exercise before the sex. Make it a couple-activity so that the bonding also grows during this time. So go for a walk together, or dance a little before hitting the bed. Being active will definitely help you to ease into the act.
Talk To A Professional
Sometimes talking to a sex therapist helps to overcome the issues that one is facing. In order to find a professional near you, you can visit associations like the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists.
Changes don’t happen in a day. It is a slow process but you must keep up the effort. Accept the changes that are happening within your body and keep communicating with your partner. This is the only way that the vitality of your sex life will remain alive always.
