title: The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on patients' sex lives.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic disease that has the potential to affect all aspects of patients' lives, including their sexual activities and relationships. This article reports on a review of the literature assessing the problems that patients experience and whether they are addressed by health professionals. The literature indicates that many patients experience problems and that symptoms such as fatigue and pain impact negatively on sexual function. Some relationships suffer as a result but most partners are sympathetic. Poor communication between patient and health professionals is a common problem that needs to be addressed.
authors.affiliation: University of Leeds.
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D019529:Sexuality