What About Sex? - Page 2
© Cynthia Webber (Jausten)
It has been reported by both physicians and people with fibromyalgia that sexual intercourse and orgasm are a great stress reliever for both our bodies and our minds. Yet if we are hypersensitive to touch, feel fatigued, or have achy muscles due to our fibromyalgia, the last thing that we want to do is expend our limited energy reserves for sexual intercourse. Our lack of desire may cause both impotence or painful intercourse. Open communication on how we are feeling physically is very important because without it, our significant other may feel rejected and angry.
Planning a time together for when sexual intimacy is most desirable for both people is very important. Some people with fibromyalgia feel more energetic in the morning after a good night's sleep, while others prefer the time before sleep in order to use sex as a relaxant to aid in their sleep patterns. Those without children may prefer the time before or after the evening meal. The important key is to communicate and also be willing to change the time if either person is not in the mood or the person with fibromyalgia is having a very bad flare. Keeping ourselves paced throughout the day in order to have a reserve of energy for sexual intercourse is important not only for sexual intimacy, but for just enjoying being with someone we love. Taking a warm bath or shower, setting the mood with the use of candles and soft music, and having a gentle body massage with a favorite fragrance or lotion can relax tight muscles and ease one's mind from the stress of difficult day. Also, it may be easier to have the person without fibromyalgia take a more active role. Then we can enjoy the sensations rather than feeling that we have to perform.
Some of the antidepressants which are used to aid in our sleep patterns and pain levels do cause adverse effects on orgasm and libido or sexual desire. Controlled studies have shown that certain antidepressants have the side effects of either delayed or absent orgasm and ejaculatory delay. A variety of treatment options are available if a person experiences antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Often, modification of the pharmacologic regimen will restore sexual function while maintaining the desired effects of the antidepressant. This is where a knowledgeable physician and pharmacist can be helpful. Explaining to one's significant other that the medication is causing sexual dysfunction can relieve the stress and frustration of a partner who may feel that they are at fault. Sometimes it takes several months before the side effects of a particular medication can be seen as the problem for sexual dysfunction. Discussing our sexual relations isn't comfortable, but it is very important to discuss them with our physician. There are some antidepressants whose side effects of sexual dysfunction aren't as strong as others, and if another antidepressant can aid in sleep and pain levels, then it may be necessary to change the medication.
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