Relationship expert and author Logan Levkoff, PhD, is partnering with Pfizer to address intimacy and relationship issues for people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic diseases.
Levkoff , a TV personality who is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, is considered an expert on sexuality, sexual health, relationships, intimacy, parenting and sexual politics.
“People living with chronic conditions like RA are constantly juggling many aspects of their lives in relation to their health. In particular, they may face intimacy and relationship hurdles due to fatigue, joint pain or poor self-image, to name a few,” Levkoff said in a press release. “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Pfizer on Arthritis.com to help provide insight on dealing with tough issues including self-love, dating and communicating with partners, which may be particularly difficult for people living with a chronic condition.”
Living with a chronic illness can certainly put a damper on one’s sex life. This is especially true for those with RA — a chronic, systemic, inflammatory condition that is both painful and potentially physically disabling. RA can affect almost every domain of life, including relationships and sexual function.
In fact, more than half of 57 RA patients polled in a 2003 study said their disease limits intimacy. More than a third said living with RA has strained their relationship with their partner.
“People living with RA have a lot to cover and discuss during doctor visits,” said Ara Dikranian, MD, a rheumatologist at the Cabrillo Center for Rheumatic Diseases in El Cajon, California. “Having a support system and educational resources are important when managing the disease.”
Pfizer noticed that people living with chronic diseases lack information on relationships, intimacy and family planning. Since these topics can be so difficult to talk about, Logan will sharing tailored advice on self-love, dating, emotional and physical intimacy, pregnancy and parenting on Pfizer’s newly updated support site, Arthritis.com.
The website provides resources like disease information and lifestyle advice, and offers a place for inspiration for those living with a chronic illness.
“Arthritis.com will help bring to light topics that may not have been discussed in-depth, and the content encourages people to take action and speak with their healthcare provider about ways to manage their condition beyond just treating symptoms,” Dikranian added.
Pfizer will continue to roll out new education and awareness resources on Arthritis.com, focusing on under-addressed topics as part of its mission to help improve the lives of those with arthritis.
“We know that many of the millions of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are struggling with more than just the physical symptoms of the disease,” said Angela Hwang, Pfizer’s global president of inflammation and immunology. “We are developing resources like Arthritis.com to help provide information on topics that go beyond medicine. We are committed to supporting the overall well-being of people with RA.”
