Libido and RA

[James123]

Dear Forum members,

My wife was diagnosed with RA about 1/1/2 years ago. Thank the Lord, her meds have been working marvels and her pain is largely gone. Nonetheless, around 2/1/2 years ago, when her symptoms started to really show, her libido also declined. I do not know if this is related to RA or not. Even though she is normally pretty pain free, she doesn't seem interested in sex the way she used to. Sure, she enjoys it, but the initial arousal isn't there. She rarely initiates it. We are both in our "prime" ages and are not elderly.

Do any of you have similar experiences with RA and lack of initial desire? Any advice?

[kageyd]

Oh James, what a tough situation. I just posted today in this Forum an interesting site on RA and Fatigue; fatigue is pretty much by its very nature an arousal killer. Diminishing of interest in sex is common in anyone who is suffering from a chronic disease, along with some level of depression (which also reduces libido). I can't respond to the specific question because I am older (69) and it's thus not quite as critical to me, and also because I'm newly diagnosed.

I hope others may have helpful suggestions, as many of the people who post here are "prime of life" women. Best to you. Kageyd

[kay22]

I know this is an old post but on the same topic I was wondering if anyone had ever, or is taking and medication to counteract this issue. Its someone I want to talk to nurse about next visit but not sure if its just a side effect we have to live with. Controlling RA is the main thing but no sex drive in your twenties is a major relationship strain.