Fibromyalgia and arthritis are just two conditions that can cause daily pain. They can feel worse when it gets colder. Winter is coming and some of us are feeling the effects already. I have fibromyalgia and a nerve disorder as well. My pain is a daily thing I have to deal with. When winter comes it is intensified.

Sex plays a big part of my life and always has. I love having sex. Before this happened to me, my husband and I had sex one or two times a day a few times a week. Now, we are still having sex several times a week but we go around how I feel. Which sucks! I have pain pills. I have meds to help with my conditions. That is not enough.

I have tried so many out of the box treatments. What works for me may work for you. I stretch first thing in the morning. Most of them come from yoga moves that I have learned. Some yoga poses are even wonderful to have sex in; you just have to try. Some are from the physical therapist I had to go to for a year. Followed by a hot shower or bath. If you have a tub with the jets that is even better. The more you can relax your muscles and joints the better. Exercises. I know that is like a four letter word, but keeping yourself moving is the best thing. Have you heard "use it or lose it?" Well that is true.

There are things out there that are becoming more recognized by the medical community like massage therapy. It helps. To me I think it is human touch. Acupuncture is another. Some will swear by this. I have not tried this one. Why, well my skin feels like it is on fire so I am very scared to stick a needle in my skin. Heck taking my blood pressure hurts due to the nerve disorder.

Anyway, having sex can be difficult. I like sex and want it all the time. From the time I get up in the morning I start getting ready to have it that night. If I start having great amounts of pain, I put my tens unit on. If that doesn't give me relief I will take ibuprofen. Yes, over the counter meds. If those don't work I move to my prescribed pain meds. Sometimes this takes the edge off. I stretch. Hot shower. After dinner I will go lie down to take the pressure off my back. Most of the time this will help. I will always have pain. I just need to be at a level I can handle. (my normal)

Sexual position plays a big part. So figure out which will work for you, which can be fun. There are several books and videos on this subject. Believe it or not the positions that work may change with the seasons. I know there are one or two that I can't do during the winter because my pain has gone up. Don't give up on sex. You have to find what works for you and your partner. Pain doesn't have to keep you from having sex. If you know your body and the way it reacts, you can prepare your body for a night of hot sex.