Sickle Cell and
Marriage: The Challenges of Sex and Intimacy
Sickle cell
disease (SCD) can make sex and intimacy a challenge for couples. Pain, other
physical complications as well as stress, and mental and emotional issues can
impact sexual health.
Sexual
dysfunction is when a person is unable to find satisfaction from sexual
activity due to physical or mental barriers to sex. This challenge can sometimes
be one of the complications of SCD
How can SCD Cause
Sexual Dysfunction?
A husband
and/or wife may have SCD complications that can result in sexual
dysfunction. Women who experience frequent chronic pain or pain crises have a
high probability of experiencing pain during sex. Opioid pain medicines can
also lead to pain during sex due to altered hormone levels.
Another
cause of pain is priapism. It is a complication men with SCD go through. It
refers to a painful, unwanted, and prolonged erection. Sexual activity can also
trigger episodes of priapism. Repeated episodes of this condition can cause erectile
dysfunction and permanent damage.
Sexual
dysfunction in some people with SCD can be caused bymental health issues like stress,
anxiety, and depression because they can all limit sexual desire and
performance.
Barriers like
these often impact attitudes about sex. Couples living with SCD report about
sexual activity limitations like:
·
Lack of spontaneity during sex because they have to plan sexual life
around the SCD
·
Limited sexual positions because of pain
·
Insufficient enjoyment due tothe distraction they experience while monitoring
themselves during sex
·
Feeling that they lack control over sexual health
How Can Couples with
SCDEnjoy a Safe and Healthy Sex Life?
There are
many precautions to help a couple have safe and healthy sex. If you have a
child with SCD, encourage him/her to ask you and your doctor any questions
about sex. Check out these tips for a safe and healthy sex life:
Use Normal Birth
Control Methods
1.
Normal pills are okay for women but you need your doctor’s advice
against using pills containing estrogen and progesterone hormones because they
are linked to blood clots.
2.
Normal contraceptive techniques like condoms are good for the man if he
or the wife is taking hydroxyurea. This prevents the drug from being exposed to
bodily fluids.
See a Doctor when
Complications Keep Coming Back
Ifyou are facing
sexual challenges, talk to your doctor to help you improve your sexual experience by maintaining a safe and healthy sex life. The doctor can perform
tests, help you adjust, or suggest possible treatments to remedy the problem
and also prevent or manage episodes of priapism at home.
Communicate with Your
Partner Early Enough
Share
information about your sexual health with your partner to help him/her
understand the way SCD affects you. That can improve your sex life and intimacy.
Consulta Counselor
or Therapist
SCD has its
mental aspects that are linked to sexual dysfunction and it is not your fault.
With a therapist’s help, you can cope with stress and anxiety and prepare for
future challenges. Such sessions are good for both of you as they improve
communication and intimacy. Request your doctor to direct you where to find
resources or join support groups where sexual health and intimacy for people
with SCD is discussed.
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