Sjogrens Sexual Difficulties: How to Improve the Problems

I am not one to usually discuss sexual topics. My parents are depression era and raised me to not say the three letter word. But having Sjogrens, and having intimacy problems, has encouraged me to share with others what they can do to increase intimacy in their lives and to make sex enjoyable again.

Sjogrens is an autoimmune/ arthritis disease that attacks the moisture producing glands and other organs of your body. It basically dries up moisture throughout the body. Which glands it attacks depends on the individual. 90 percent of people with Sjogrens are woman and most of those are in the 40's. One area of the body that Sjogrens attacks is the vagina. Ever try having sex with no moisture. It is tantamount to rubbing sand paper over your skin. I just thought I was getting old, and had no hormones left. But I suffered in silence, dreading intimate moments, even making up excuses to avoid sex altogether. Through trial and error and careful research, I have discovered some ways for us Sjogrens patients to once again have intimacy in their relationships.

1) Seems simple enough to say use a personal lubricant. But I have discovered that scents irritate and dry me out further. Try for a lubricant that is non scented. One brand I have used is KY Touch Personal Unscented Lubricant.

2) Wait till the middle of the month when you might have more natural lubricants. I mark on a calender when my cycle is around day 12. This seems to work best to wait until day 12 through about day 16. My husband might have to wait, but why should sex be uncomfortable for me?

3) The doctor did suggest hormones, even though I am not going through menopause as of yet. She said it would just ensure that I did not become any dryer. I have not opted for this. My body has enough problems without added extra hormones.

4) The days of back set romance are over. I am like an old car. I need time to warm up. I guess I'm lucky, because my husband expects sex to be a long romantic affair. Most guys want what they want and go to sleep. So this has never been much of a problem.

5) Find other ways to be romantic. I could go into details here but use your imagination. After all, I"m not writing for Penthouse. And who says as you get older, being romantic, slow dancing, and cuddling isn't enough - well at least sometimes. Like I tell my hubby, one day we won't be able to walk, little alone get it on in bed. He disagrees, but at least I"m realistic.

Having met several people in the doctor's office who have Sjogrens, and having joined a Sjogrens support group, I know sexual intimacy is a problem area for those who suffer from Sjogrens. But with a little effort on the part of both partners, it doesn't have to be a problem. A person with Sjogrens, can still enjoy the sexual aspects of their life, although it may take a bit more effort than before.