Libido Problems Associated with Fibromyalgia

Loss of libido is something that is common with many illnesses especially if the condition continues for a long period of time. Libido is directly affected by one’s emotional mindset and can be affected greatly by depression, anxiety or stress; all of which can be caused by chronic illness such as Fibromyalgia.

What is Libido?

Libido is basically the desire to make love with another; the loss of which can be classified as a sexual dysfunction. Someone with a high libido will be sexually active with their partner whilst someone whose libido is flagging may find that they either do not want to make love or simply can’t.

It is important at this point not to confuse problems with libido as being the same as problems with impotence; these are two very different topics although a loss of libido can sometimes lead to impotence if the problem persists for a long time.

What Causes a Loss of Libido?

The loss of one’s libido or a reduction in it can be put down to many things. In some instances the problems can be physical and in others they can be emotional, it depends entirely on the individual and the circumstances at the time.

It is important to remember at this juncture that a lack of libido does not mean a lack in the desire to make love or that the person suffering from the problem does not find his or her partner attractive anymore.

Both men and women can suffer from a loss of libido; in women it is common after child birth and in men it is common if they are suffering from high levels of stress or a dramatic change in their lifestyle. Other causes of loss in libido can include:

Ill Health

Anxiety

Diabetes

Alcohol Abuse

Drug Abuse

Smoking

Prescription Medication

Hormonal Imbalance

Libido Problems Associated with Fibromyalgia

When it comes to Fibromyalgia many people – men and women – have reported a reduction in their libido due to the sometimes chronic nature of the condition. Sometimes Fibromyalgia sufferers can feel perfectly well and are willing to make love but a ‘flare-up’ can put paid to such willingness. The sheer unpredictability of the condition is such that it can leave one or both partners feeling as though they are not wanted and that perhaps the other partner is making excuses; this is simply not the case.

Sufferers of Fibromyalgia, especially in its chronic form, find it difficult to make love because of the levels of pain they have to endure. Making love requires a considerable amount of bodily movement and if the trigger points flare up then this movement can be painful or at the very least uncomfortable.

Another problem with Fibromyalgia is the way in which an individual’s body weight can fluctuate; this too has consequences on the libido, making the sufferer feel as though they are unable to perform and instilling in them a lack of self-confidence which manifests itself as a lack of libido.

It is important to emphasise that a lack of libido can be turned around either by reducing stress an anxiety or by changing one’s daily routine. Your doctor will not necessarily prescribe any medication to help combat this problem as there is not really much that can be done physically about the condition.

Further Information

For the most part libido is affected by the sufferer’s mental attitude; if he or she feels great then this will manifest itself in an increased libido. Likewise if they feel low or depressed then their libido will suffer as a consequence. Again it is worth emphasising the importance of discussing such matters with your partner and making them aware of your feelings rather than simply avoiding the matter altogether.