Scleroderma may affect the genitals of both men and women. Sexuality involves the physiological and the psychological, the body and the mind. These two features are always intertwined in human behaviour, but they are particularly so in the realm of sexuality. In general, sexual interest is diminished by the emotional distress and mental preoccupations related to living with scleroderma. Psychological issues get in the way of sexual enjoyment. These include depression, which typically decreases sex drive, changes in body image leading to the fear that you are not as attractive as before, and anxiety that sex will be painful.
Male partners of women with scleroderma can be affected by this attitude of heightened anxiety and retreat from sex for fear of causing pain and discomfort in the women they love. In the absence of good communication, both partners can fall into a world of silence that fosters isolation and loneliness.
A woman may be angry at what has happened to her body, she may feel guilty about being a burden to her partner and frightened by what the future may hold. This is an area where counselling can be tremendously helpful for both partners. However, if one of the partners is reluctant to talk about such personal issues in the presence of a stranger, the other partner can go alone and talk about their fears of the illness and what it means for both partners and their future. The real issue is communication, more so than the technical aspects of sexual intercourse. Once communication is re-established, the rest will follow.
Physical changes caused by scleroderma, unrelated to the genitals, also affect sexual functioning. Muscle and joint stiffness limits sexual movement and position. Stiff and puffy fingers are clumsy and insensitive. When the fingers are curled or bent, fondling and caressing may not even be possible. Thin lips, small mouth or protruding teeth make kissing less pleasurable. Self-consciousness about changes in skin texture and body contours inhibit sexual relatedness. A woman whose skin has become hard and tight continues to experience sensual pleasure when caressed, but may be self-conscious about being touched. If the tightened skin alters breast contours, or if weight loss makes one less shapely, her appearance may be of concern to her. A woman wants her husband to find her physically attractive and sexually desirable, therefore if she feels unattractive, sexually undesirable and personally unlovable, she will sustain little sexual interest. If her partner is worried and depressed about her illness, his mind may be too preoccupied with her problems and therefore may conceal his desire for sex.
To maintain sexuality in a relationship, it is important to convey sexual feelings whenever they do occur, even if only expressed in affection. A decrease in sexual attraction does not mean a decrease in love.
Sexuality is a problem which can affect both male and female scleroderma patients. Not often talked about because of the embarrassment, the Association has published a leaflet which addresses this aspect of scleroderma.
To download our leaflet on Sexuality in Scleroderma click here.
Male partners of women with scleroderma can be affected by this attitude of heightened anxiety and retreat from sex for fear of causing pain and discomfort in the women they love. In the absence of good communication, both partners can fall into a world of silence that fosters isolation and loneliness.
A woman may be angry at what has happened to her body, she may feel guilty about being a burden to her partner and frightened by what the future may hold. This is an area where counselling can be tremendously helpful for both partners. However, if one of the partners is reluctant to talk about such personal issues in the presence of a stranger, the other partner can go alone and talk about their fears of the illness and what it means for both partners and their future. The real issue is communication, more so than the technical aspects of sexual intercourse. Once communication is re-established, the rest will follow.
Physical changes caused by scleroderma, unrelated to the genitals, also affect sexual functioning. Muscle and joint stiffness limits sexual movement and position. Stiff and puffy fingers are clumsy and insensitive. When the fingers are curled or bent, fondling and caressing may not even be possible. Thin lips, small mouth or protruding teeth make kissing less pleasurable. Self-consciousness about changes in skin texture and body contours inhibit sexual relatedness. A woman whose skin has become hard and tight continues to experience sensual pleasure when caressed, but may be self-conscious about being touched. If the tightened skin alters breast contours, or if weight loss makes one less shapely, her appearance may be of concern to her. A woman wants her husband to find her physically attractive and sexually desirable, therefore if she feels unattractive, sexually undesirable and personally unlovable, she will sustain little sexual interest. If her partner is worried and depressed about her illness, his mind may be too preoccupied with her problems and therefore may conceal his desire for sex.
To maintain sexuality in a relationship, it is important to convey sexual feelings whenever they do occur, even if only expressed in affection. A decrease in sexual attraction does not mean a decrease in love.
Sexuality is a problem which can affect both male and female scleroderma patients. Not often talked about because of the embarrassment, the Association has published a leaflet which addresses this aspect of scleroderma.
To download our leaflet on Sexuality in Scleroderma click here.
