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How does PH impact your definition of intimacy with your partner?
As a young 26 (soon to be 27) year old with Pulmonary hypertension, I feel that my definition of a lot of things in life has changed since being diagnosed and developing symptoms. One thing that has changed is my definition of what it means to be intimate with my partner. The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension make it difficult some days to have physical and sexual intimacy.
I don’t feel physically attractive and have a low self image on the days when I am dependent on oxygen. This gets in the way of my sex life and my desire for sex when I don’t feel good about myself. These concerns can be hard to talk about with a partner. Something else that gets in the way is the symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
In the last 6 years of being in my relationship with my boyfriend, I have found it helpful to be as honest as possible about my feelings. Whether that be addressing my lack of confidence or lack of physical ability. On days or weeks where I don’t have the energy for physical intimacy, I rely on other ways to be intimate such as laying with each other, holding hands, or relaxing next to each other while watching a movie or show that we both enjoy.
Do you find it difficult to be physically intimate with a partner because of your symptoms or self confidence? What are some other ways that you experience different types of intimacy? How do you communicate your concerns to your partner?
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