We loved the article “The Case for ‘Pleasure Hygiene’: Sexual Health in Patients With Chronic Illness” by Dr. Kranz!
Shifting our mindset from “performance” to “pleasure” during sexual activity is key for sexual wellbeing and fulfilling partnership. Chronic illness can greatly impact our sense of self, self-esteem and even libido. This is where pleasure hygiene can be helpful–here are some tips:
*Encourage open communication with partner(s) and offer resources to develop communication skills.
*Consider needs for physical and emotional preparation for sexual play: adequate rest, preparing the environment for body fluids, pillows for comfort or aides for positioning, and plenty of lubricant at hand.
*Allow adequate time for sexual play and encourage the ability to adjust or stop and start over — with humor and self-compassion.
*Use sexual aides to enhance pleasure.
