All living well guides
Lifestyle
Intimacy and Arthritis
Pain, fatigue and medicines can affect intimacy, and these are normal topics to raise with your doctor.
Video lesson
Why it matters
Joint pain, vaginal dryness in Sjögren’s, body image and low mood can all play a role. Most of these are treatable.
What you can do
Plan around your best time of day, try a warm bath beforehand, use supportive pillows and positions that rest sore joints, and use lubricants if dryness is an issue. Talk openly with your partner.
Call your care team if
Medicines seem to be affecting your desire or function, or you want to discuss contraception and pregnancy planning.
At a glance
Topic
Lifestyle
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.