Intimacy and Relationships

Intimacy isn’t something that is confined to physical affection or sexuality. Intimacy is about so much more! Intimacy is a process; ever changing and evolving. Four commonly accepted forms of intimacy include cognitive or intellectual intimacy, experiential intimacy, emotional intimacy, and sexual intimacy. 



Cognitive intimacy describes a form of activity where two or more people exchange thoughts, share ideas, or explore similarities or differences of opinion. Many of the discussions and story telling we do here at HealthCentral involve this very personal form of intellectual intimacy.

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What Does Intimacy Mean To You

Sexual Freedom When You Have RA

New Positions
Arthritis in the hip, knee, leg, or arm can cause considerable pain during sexual activity.  Experiment with different coital positions which put less strain on painful joints, and let your partner do most of the work if movement causes you pain. Consider what you do to be most comfortable lying in bed and start from there to find a position which could be adapted for greater comfort and mutual pleasure.

Adapted from an Arthritis Foundation brochure, the following descriptions may give you new ideas or starting points from which to find new positions to enjoy.  Be sure to work together to find something comfortable and satisfying for both partners.  Caution: If you have problems in your neck, Dr. Mark Borigini warns that you should not place a pillow under your head during sex.


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RA and Sexual Independence, Part Two

RA and Sex: Independence, Part One

Pain, fatigue, the disease itself, medication side-effects, loss of desire, sexual dysfunction, and changes in relationships affect our sexual health.  Humans are created as sexual beings and sometimes illness and disease get in the way from enjoying this aspect of our lives.

So what can we do about it? 
In every healthy marriage and relationship, intimacy plays an important role. For those living with disease which causes disability, such as rheumatoid arthritis), maintaining a satisfying sex life can be an arduous task. But don’t give up, there are ways to be intimate and adapt to changing needs.

Be open and honest with your doctor. Discuss the physical problems and symptoms you are experiencing and any medications you are taking. If you are not comfortable talking to your current physician about these topics, you may want to find one you feel more at ease with or who specializes in sexual or intimacy-related issues.


Read this post in its entirety:

RA and Sexual Independence, Part One