Ankylosing spondylitis and intimacy: how do you manage it?

@Woagloat8873 Hello SouthernBelle, thank you for starting this discussion. Intimacy is an important part of life as a couple, and it's important that you both be comfortable communicating with each other. Let me tag some members who may be able to share their experience or advice with you.

Hello all, I hope you're doing well. How do you handle intimacy in your relationship? Have you experienced hesitancy with your partner? Can you share any experiences or advice with SouthernBelle?

@Hidden username‍ @Draypeprong7‍ @Hidden username‍ @Hidden username‍ @Hidden username‍ @Hidden username‍ @Brooribor5‍ @059Trebler‍ @7872Cletekon‍ @Thutoudil0760‍ @Hidden username‍ @Hidden username‍ @Hidden username‍ @Thakesh154‍ @Hidden username‍ @Hidden username‍ @Boustibroung69‍ 

Take care,

Courtney

Hi guys! Honestly haven't had any intimacy in my marriage for awhile. Embarrassingly so. But not because of RA. I had breast cancer, a full mastectomy with reconstruction. He never initiates anything, I'm sure he's unsure how to proceed being everything has changed, and he's really concerned about hurting or embarrassing me or himself. He would be the same with the RA.  Probably should get back in the saddle.....

Mary

@Boustibroung69 Thank you for replying. I know exactly what you mean. I think my husband is embarassed too. I'd like to figure out how to reassure him that it's gonna be ok and that he's not gonna break me but I'm just not sure how to go about it.

@Woagloat8873 Hi, I don't know what your situation is, i.e. to what extent your AS affects you, but I'm sure that behind your partner's "fear" may be a lack of communication. Talk to him and tell him that the situation doesn't suit you, reassure him, take initiatives to make your relationship as smooth as possible, but above all, talk to him. That's the way I would go about it, but maybe other people are going through a similar situation and will be able to give you other solutions. Chin up, everything will work out if you both want it.

Hello all, 

From a male perspective, my wife and I have been married going on 28 years and I or I should say we have been dealing with my AS for almost all those years. As with your spouses, my wife was afraid intimacy would either injure me or make it worse. Communication is the key. I was finally able to convince her that I  will be fine and sex actually makes the pain easier to deal with and sometimes goes away completely(temporarily) due to the rush of endorphins. Also, I tell her that if I do increase my pain, that I can’t think of a better way to do it. 🤡

@Beweewail0 I agree. From another male perspective, it really does help (temporarily, like you said) with the endorphins. And it's just great emotionally. You just have to be a bit creative and find a position that works for you and communicate with each other. It definitely doesn't help with the fatigue though ! 😂

Hello everyone 🌟

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We’re checking back in on this discussion: AS and intimacy 💛💬

Living with ankylosing spondylitis can sometimes impact intimacy and relationships 🤍

💬 How has AS affected your intimacy? Have you found ways to adapt or communicate with your partner? Any tips to share? 🌿✨

Your experience could really help others feel less alone and more supported 🤝💛

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

[This content has been moderated by an administrator.] This link directs to a peer-to-peer discussion thread on the Carenity health platform focusing on the intersection of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and romantic intimacy. The forum thread serves as a safe space for patients to share the physical, psychological, and emotional challenges AS introduces to relationships, such as joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, and shifts in self-confidence.