The constant pain and fatigue associated with lupus may make it difficult to cope with the physical and emotional aspects of sex. In addition, some medications used to treat lupus can cause problems. Some of these drugs may decrease your sex drive. Other drugs may lessen sexual arousal or make it difficult to achieve an orgasm.

Some people with lupus also have a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. Exposure to cold causes spasms in the small blood vessels of the finger and toes. This reduces blood flow and may cause fingers and toes to turn white or blue and numb. During sex, the flow of blood increases to the genital area and decreases to other areas of the body, including the fingers. This can cause the numbness and pain of Raynaud’s phenomenon to occur.

Other problems also can interfere with sexual activity, such as oral and genital sores, vaginal dryness, and yeast infections. You may feel less attractive because of skin rashes that are difficult to control.

Your partner may not understand the changes in your desire, the fact that you may feel unattractive, or the physical problems you are experiencing. He or she may think you are no longer attracted to him or her. On the other hand, you may feel your partner is avoiding you, when he or she is trying to be sensitive to your needs and is afraid of hurting you or causing you more pain during sexual contact.

These issues may be hard for you to talk about. However, a mutual willingness to have open and honest discussions with your partner can play an important part in understanding the issues that are affecting your relationship. If the two of you cannot resolve your problems together, seek help from your doctor, nurse, or a counselor experienced in working with people who have lupus.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
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From LUPUS: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases/National Institutes of Health

Patient Information Sheet #10
Patient Information Sheets

Outline Credits Acknowledgments Introduction PDF Order Form
1. Erythematosus 2. Advances 3. Tests 4. Care 5. Medications
6. Psychosocial Aspects 7. Patient Info. 8. Resources

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2350