Dr. Kim Gorgens is the author of "Awkward Conversations," a regular column from Rheumatology Network for physicians who treat patients with rheumatic disease. Follow the conversation here.
Conversations about drug and alcohol use are complicated but overdue. Just last month, data from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were released showing significant increases in daily marijuana use by young adults, especially among young pregnant women. Learn more in today’s column.
The impact of chronic inflammatory disease on sexual function may seem obvious but it is poorly understood. Pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling and fatigue can lead to a decreased sexual interest and can inhibit actual intercourse. In this article, Dr. Kim Gorgens reviews the current literature on sexual function for patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, and makes recommendations for incorporating sexual function complications as part of the discussion in a clinic exam.
