Hi, I'm Dr. Felice Gersh, an integrative OB GYN physician. I'm here to answer the questions submitted by the plusOne community.

Today's question is, how might having a chronic disease affect your sexual wellness? The answer obviously depends in part on what specific disease you have, but there are also generalized effects that having a chronic disease can have on one's intimate life. Common symptoms such as fatigue, chronic pain, and simply not feeling well can lower libido. At the same time, battling a chronic illness can cause changes to your body that may impact your self-confidence and even make certain movements or activities uncomfortable, painful, or flat out impossible.

One approach to intimate wellness that can be helpful for people dealing with a chronic disease is to build a more expansive definition of sexual intimacy, whether it's with a partner or simply with yourself. Intimacy is about experiencing pleasure and connection, not completing a to-do list. If something doesn't feel good, yes, please discuss with your doctor, but also you don't need to do that.

Focus on what you can do and what does feel good. For many of my patients who feel limited by chronic disease in their abilities to be intimate, wellness devices can be helpful. PlusOne has a wide range of products, so what you choose really depends on your specific needs and preferences. Follow along to see what question is answered next.