Ive been married 7 years and the fibro gets in the way
If you have fibromyalgia, you may also face challenges in your sex life. You could be experiencing loss of libido or having difficulty with sexual performance. It's also possible your libido is healthy, but the deep muscle pain and stiffness of fibromyalgia keep you from enjoying sex the way you used to.
It's not unusual for people with any chronic illness to complain about having problems with their sex life. But a healthy sex life is important for many reasons. Not only does sex strengthen an intimate relationship, but sexual intercourse boosts endorphins. Those are the body's natural opioids that help decrease pain and increase well-being. Talking openly with your doctor and following a few practical tips can help you resolve problems associated with fibromyalgia, pain, and sex. Then you can begin to enjoy this aspect of your life again.
Thank you for being brave enough to ask this question. I have been wondering how people like us deal with intamcy. My husband and I have been married for 30 years. I have been suffering with RA/Fibro for 28 of those years, but lately, the last 5 years or so it has really affected our intimacy and bedroom adventures. Holding hands hurts. Walking arm and arm hurts. Bedroom activity is down to rare. Between pain, exhaustion, meds, and all the other stuff we deal with I am concerned. Even at my worst we always found a way to connect, but lately the connection is only stuff we do together not real intimacy.
This is true for guys with fibro also. Sometimes pain is too much, sometimes just too tired. Either way, it has been a constant problem.
Can Soaking in a Warm Bath Before Sex Help my Fibromyalgia Pain? Moist heat, including soaking in a warm bath, can help ease fibromyalgia pain and may allow you to enjoy sexual intercourse -- or any exercise -- without added pain. Heat increases blood flow to the site and decreases stiffness, a key symptom of fibromyalgia. Regular moist heat applications or warm baths may help temporarily to alleviate muscle pain or tender point pain, reduce muscle spasms, and decrease inflammation. When using moist heat, make sure it is not too warm or you can burn your skin. You might soak in a warm bath for at least 15 minutes before sexual intercourse or other physical activity to get the full benefit. You may also soak in a warm bath after sexual intercourse or other physical activity. Other popular types of moist heat include a warm shower (sit on a chair, if needed), warm whirlpool or hot tub, heated swimming pool, and a moist heating pad.
Yes it can. You're using muscles you don't necessarily use every day. It can throw you into a flare. My husband knows this about me. He doesn't feel sex is our relationship. I'm thankful for him. He's very supportive and loving. Hoping you find a way that's good for both of you. Hugs 🌻✌