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Relationships and intimacy challenges can be difficult topics to address openly for many people, even those who are comfortable in their own skin. For people who have a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being comfortable in your own skin is not always a reality, and relationship struggles may get magnified.

Today, we discuss self-love, dating, emotional and physical intimacy, and more, especially for people with a chronic illness like RA. Joined by Ara Dikranian, MD, Rheumatologist, Cabrillo Center for Rheumatic Disease, we provide people with RA tools they need to help make smart, proactive decisions about their health.

Logan Levkoff, Ph.D., What are some of the challenges in finding love when someone has a chronic condition, like RA? When it comes to relationships and intimacy, what would you say is the most important thing for someone with a chronic condition to do or think about? How can people living with chronic diseases, like RA, communicate their needs to their partner?

Dr. Ara Dikranian What is rheumatoid arthritis? How many people in the U.S. have it? What impact does RA have on the lives of those who have been diagnosed with it? What about on their relationships? Can an open dialogue with their healthcare provider help someone living with RA with their personal relationships? Where can people go to learn more?

How to increase self-love and develop a positive body image when you have a chronic illnessHow to communicate your needs to your partner and make sure you are addressing theirsHow to initiate conversations with your healthcare provider when your sexual health needs aren’t being met