Diabetes, lupus, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and other chronic diseases are not yet known for definitive treatment, but can be largely controlled with the help of new drugs and treatments. The first few days after hearing about one of these diseases are usually accompanied by anxiety and worry about the success of control methods. But as the person learns how to cope with his illness, other questions become important to him. Certainly one of the most important questions will be:
What is my sexual function despite having a chronic illness?
As a general answer to this question, just as there are ways to cope with the disease physically and mentally, there are also ways to deal with it sexually. If you also have a chronic illness and want to experience pleasurable sex during a long period of illness control, read the following six steps.
1- Be flexible
What are some ways you can have sex?
If you have limited sex to the vaginal type, when you face the side effects of disease and drugs, you will most likely lose this option and miss out on one of the most important and constructive pleasures of married life. , You will depress yourself and your spouse. But if your perception of sex is different, then you will find pleasurable sex achievable.
There are several ways you can change your perception of sexual pleasure. One of these ways is to establish a sincere physical relationship with the spouse and use other ways to arouse the sensual dimension of love.
Touching sensitive areas of the body (except for areas that have become painful due to illness, such as a woman undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer in this area, be bothered by touching and stimulating the breasts). Kissing, hugging, making eye contact, and exchanging romantic words before, during, and after sex are some of the ways to arouse love and sexual pleasure. In a word, instead of staring at the disease and its sexual limitations, focus on your existing possibilities and other abilities.
2- Increase your information and use support
Ask your doctor about the effects of your medications and sexual status during the disease control period. Get information from pharmacists as well. Then use the Internet. Join the organizations and centers that work about your illness and ask them for information about coping with your illness. Join the support groups of these organizations and ask the members of the group about the ways they succeed in coping with sex.
3- In consultation with your doctor, try the appropriate lubricants during sex
Diabetes and other diseases can make sex difficult by causing vaginal dryness. In these cases, lubricants can be helpful. The advantage of these materials is that they are not expensive and are available. Of course, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor before taking any lubricant, to introduce the most suitable ones (for example, women with breast cancer are not allowed to use hormone-containing lubricants).
4. Help your health
The question may be, how can I help my health despite this disease?
The answer is: By modifying your lifestyle, you can manage the situation and maintain your sexual interest and ability.
– Quit smoking (of course, if you have ever been to it!).
Eat 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day.
Have 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
Get at least seven hours of good sleep a night.
5- Look for new opportunities
Ah! Having a chronic illness means losing things that I can no longer have as before, including sex. This way of thinking, no matter how true, not only does not help, but it will make you depressed by immersing yourself in it. Obviously, depression kills sexual desire and libido. So instead of wasting your time with these thoughts, it is better to look for new opportunities and find other ways to arouse sexual pleasure.
6- Include sex therapy in your program
Sex therapists are psychologists who have received specialized training in sexual problems. They never have sex with clients and do not observe their relationship. These therapists only discuss your sexual status and suggest ways in which you can enjoy your relationship with your spouse. Studies have shown that two-thirds of people who use sex therapy show significant improvement. Get help from your doctor to find a skilled and suitable sex therapist.
