Content

Sexuality helps fulfill the vital need for human connection. It's a natural and healthy part of living, as well as an important aspect of your identity as a person.

However, when chronic pain invades your life, the pleasures of sexuality often disappear. There is a complex interaction between sexuality and chronic pain. Chronic pain may interfere with your sexuality because of the pain itself, or other factors associated with your chronic pain, including mood disorders, decreased sex drive (libido), medications or stress. On the other hand, your pain may be appropriately managed, but side effects from pain medications or other factors such as social issues or guilt may limit your sexual experience. Here's help on how to reconnect with your sexuality in spite of the chronic pain.