Having sex with someone for the first time is a big deal, and should be something you’re ready for, feel good about, and do safely.
You should feel comfortable and safe with the person, unpressured, and have thought about contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. This goes for everybody, not just people with psoriasis!
There’s absolutely no reason why people with psoriasis can’t have relationships or sex, and loads of people with psoriasis have no problem whatsoever. The condition can, however, sometimes affect your love life in a couple of ways:
Firstly, we’re back to the issue of confidence. If you feel unattractive and are worried about how your partner will react to the psoriasis on your body, it can affect your relationship before you even get to the issue of sex. It can be hard, but it’s so important you talk to your partner about this. Tell them about your worries; make sure they understand what psoriasis is and how it looks.
If you like, you could work up to showing them your psoriasis; perhaps show them psoriasis on more visible, less intimate places, such as hands or arms, first. Encourage them to ask you questions about it too, the more you acknowledge your psoriasis and feel comfortable talking about it, the more it will become a normal part of you and your relationship.
It’s also important that you remember that psoriasis is just one small part of you. A partner that loves and respects you, who is properly informed about your condition, should be able to look past your psoriasis and probably won’t think about it anywhere near as much as you worry they will.
Secondly, the pain or discomfort of psoriasis can be a barrier to sex. Again, it’s important here to talk to your partner and together find ways of working around your psoriasis.
Psoriasis on the genitals can, understandably, make sex quite uncomfortable. It’s important to mention psoriasis in these areas to your doctor, although it might be a bit embarrassing, as there are specific treatments that can be prescribed. Being proactive and treating the psoriasis is the first step towards gaining confidence!
Many people with psoriasis in the genital area still have sex and, like all aspects of psoriasis, it is a process of trial and error to find tips and tricks to help. For more information, have a look at our leaflet on Psoriasis in Sensitive Areas.
For more information on sexual health services and contraception
and check out the NHS website.
For more information on dealing with people and relationships when you have a visible difference, contact Changing Faces.