16/12/2022
A healthy s*x life, intimacy and physical pleasure are important parts of your overall health. This should not change because of your HIV diagnosis. However, some people living with HIV find it difficult to enjoy a healthy s*x life. Although s*xual problems (often called s*xual dysfunction) can be a problem for anyone at different times in their lives, studies show that people with HIV are particularly prone to them.
Four types of s*xual problems are commonly reported. There may be:
Problems with s*xual desire: usually a loss of interest in s*x.
Problems with arousal: difficulties getting or keeping an er****on or becoming relaxed and lubricated.
Or**sm problems: not having an or**sm at all, taking a long time to have one, or rapid (premature) ej*******on.
Pain during s*x, which may cause avoidance.
S*xual difficulties may have a physical cause, but they may also be caused or aggravated by psychological, emotional and relationship factors. Often there is not a single cause for s*xual difficulties, but rather a combination of factors may be involved.
