Trusted for 24+ Years
Autoimmune Disease & Sex
Dr. Lisa Lawless, CEO of Holistic Wisdom
Clinical Psychotherapist: Relationship & Sexual Health Expert
The Hormone Connection
Autoimmune disease is when the immune system attacks healthy cells within the body and is most often seen through related conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto's Disease, Celiac Disease, Graves' Disease, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Vitiligo, and many others.
In addition to one's general health, autoimmune disease can affect sexual health. Hormones are thought to play a role in the onset of autoimmune issues, which means that during hormonal fluctuations due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, there can be changes to autoimmune symptoms. For example, it can interfere with a woman's ability to ovulate menstruate regularly and, in some cases, may impact fertility.
Medications For Autoimmune Disease
Medications that suppress autoimmune responses in the body may impact one's ability to conceive and safely carry a pregnancy to term. In addition, medications can affect the quality of sperm and, in some cases, be unsafe for a developing fetus.
Medications such as steroids can suppress the immune system causing one to become immunocompromised, making them more susceptible to other health conditions. With regard to sexual health, steroids can decrease vaginal lubrication, as can narcotics for pain, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and even NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, etc.). In addition, some serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can decrease the ability to become sexually aroused, delay or prevent the ability to orgasm, and impair lubrication of the vagina.
Related Sexual Issues
Symptoms from autoimmune diseases such as fatigue, pain, and feelings of frustration and stress from chronic illness can decrease one's sex drive. So while autoimmune disease may not always be a direct cause, it can be a side effect.
Sexual Mobility Issues
For those with rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma, there may be limited mobility, fatigue, pain, muscle weakness, joint pain, depression, and other symptoms that make sexual functioning more complicated.
Menopause & Autoimmune Disease
Menopause can bring on symptoms of vaginal dryness, loss of libido, fatigue, and other symptoms. When you combine this with autoimmune disease, these symptoms can be even more challenging.
Painful Sex
There are various reasons sex can be painful for someone with autoimmune disease. It can directly cause chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune reactions like those that impact the vagina, such as inflammatory vaginitis, and some that affect the penis, such as Peyronie's disease. Some can affect the vulva, vagina and penis, such as lichen sclerosus.
In addition to direct autoimmune responses to the genitals, there are also those associated with mobility issues who have difficulty and pain when attempting sexual positions and stimulation. Lubrication issues and erectile dysfunction (ED) issues may also be impacted by inflammatory responses related to autoimmune disease. In addition, psychologically related issues anticipating pain can occur, such as involuntary muscle contractions as seen in vaginismus.
Autoimmune Sexual Health Resources
There are various ways people with autoimmune diseases can make their sex lives better. Below are some of our related guides to help you tackle some of the challenges that autoimmune disorders can bring on.
Before using any products, please discuss any possible health concerns with your physician. See our How to Talk To Your Doctor About Sex for helpful ideas on how to address these concerns.
Nutrition
Part of keeping autoimmune disease from flaring up is making sure you keep down inflammatory responses in your body. The best way to do this is through good nutrition. We have worked closely with nutritionists and physicians to create a nutrition guide that will decrease inflammation in the body. This plant-based diet has had positive results for those who struggle with autoimmune disease, and we invite you to explore it.
Sex Pillows For Mobility Issues
We understand that autoimmune diseases can make mobility challenging, even for the most basic sex positions. This is why we offer sex pillows that are firm and designed to help you stay comfortable even for long periods without strain on your joints and muscles.
Sex Positions
Sexual positions can be challenging for those with autoimmune inflammation and pain. Thus, we have suggested sex positions that incorporate sex toys to make sexual pleasure more accessible and efficient.
Vaginal Dryness & Lubricants
Because autoimmune disease and related medications can severely impact vaginal lubrication, we have put together the following guides to assist with this important sexual health issue:
Mobility & Disability Resources
Chronic illness that can occur because of autoimmune disorders can be considered a disability, so we have put together some helpful guides that may assist you in finding products and resources for disabled persons:
In Closing
Chronic illness can be physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging. It can be exhausting trying to tackle one autoimmune flare-up after another while simply managing life, let alone your sex life. We invite you to take a moment to reconsider how you look at sexual challenges. Rather than feel pressure to be sexually active, refocus on seeing it as a journey to find new ways to nurture yourself.
Let us help you find more comfortable positions, soothing lubricants, and mobility-friendly sex toys. After all, we sincerely care about your health, wellbeing, and helping you find the pleasure you deserve.