title: Arthritis and sexuality.
abstract: More than 120 kinds of arthritis exist. This article focuses on the more common types of musculoskeletal disorders, which are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. Because of the pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness associated with arthritis, physical intimacy may be difficult. These symptoms can be ameliorated during sexual activity by good communication between the partners, timing medication, and experimenting with different positions. Clients may need to be taught to be creative and to be willing to experiment. Learning the relaxation response, in addition to fantasizing and guided imagery, can enhance the sexual experience for people who have arthritis.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. amnewman@uncc.edu
authors.forename: Ann Mabe
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D003075:Coitus; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012731:Sex Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*