Arthritis and Your Sex Life

21% of the respondents to a Norwegian study said that their rheumatoid arthritis exerted a “considerably” negative influence over their sex lives. A further ten percent of those surveyed stated that their condition made sexual activity either nearly or completely impossible. These reports of sexual impairment were more likely to have come from male patients than females. Ylva Helland, the director of the rheumatology department at Diakonhjemmet Hospital in Oslo, was quoted as saying: "Today's findings indicate the need for increased attention on the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on sexual activity as well as reveal that sexual problems should be addressed as part of the general health care given to RA patients."