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Intimacy with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be challenging but manageable. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

How HS Affects Intimacy
- Sexual Health and Emotional Well-Being: HS can impact sexual functioning, body image, and quality of life. Symptoms on the genitals or genital swelling can affect Show Full Answer

Intimacy with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be challenging but manageable. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

How HS Affects Intimacy:
- Sexual Health and Emotional Well-Being: HS can impact sexual functioning, body image, and quality of life. Symptoms on the genitals or genital swelling can affect sexual experiences.
- Sexual Desire and Functioning: Despite issues with functioning, many people with HS still report having sexual interest and desire.
- Gender Differences: HS is more common in women, but men often experience greater disease severity. Men with HS may have higher sexual dysfunction, while women may experience more sexual distress.

Mental Health and Connection:
- Emotional Challenges: Skin lesions and flare-ups can make emotional connections difficult, often leading to depression and anxiety.
- Grief and Body Image: Chronic health issues like HS can change how individuals view themselves and others, impacting their ability to connect sexually.

Communication Tips:
- Ease Into Conversations: Don’t feel pressured to share everything at once. Start with some explanation and gauge your partner's response.
- Explain Your Feelings: Let your partner know how HS affects you, including pain and discomfort during flare-ups.
- Focus on Sensory Experiences: Think about what kinds of touch or textures make you feel good and communicate this to your partner.

Practical Advice:
- Adjustments in Intimacy: Consider different ways to be intimate that avoid painful areas during flare-ups.
- Partner’s Perspective: Remember that your partner’s experience and perception of your condition may differ from your own. Leave space for their feelings and experiences.

Encouragement:
- Positive Outlook: One myHSteam member shared that dating and intimacy with HS is an adjustment, not an end. There are people who will accept and love you despite HS.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the article "Intimacy and HS: Communicating With Partners" on myHSteam.

 This AI-generated response comes from myHSteam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Intimacy and HS: Communicating With Partners | myHSteam

Sex and HS: myHSteam Members Share Challenges and Fears | myHSteam