COPD and Sexual Activity-Topic Overview
COPD and Sexual Activity-Topic Overview
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) does not necessarily reduce your desire for or your ability to have sex. Many people avoid having sex, though, because they are afraid of becoming short of breath. This can greatly add to feelings of guilt or low self-esteem as well as add to your stress level as you try to deal with a chronic disease.
Decreased interest in sex is often attributed to aging. In fact, most older adults continue to be sexually active, although at a slower pace.
Unplanned COPD Weight Loss Causes & How to Eat More Calories
Unplanned weight loss affects as many as 40 to 70 percent of COPD patients. Why? Because COPD patients require more energy just to breathe! An individual without lung disease uses about 100 calories a day expanding and contracting the muscles involved with breathing. A person with COPD, however, needs between 430 and 720 calories a day just for the work of breathing. This is true even if they are unaware of this extra work.When your caloric intake is not enough to meet your energy needs,...
Read the Unplanned COPD Weight Loss Causes & How to Eat More Calories article > >
Modifications in sexual activity may be helpful to conserve energy and breath. Choosing the time of day when breathing is easiest can help. A side-by-side position and focusing more attention on caressing can be less tiring. You may find that it helps to take medicine (such as a bronchodilator) before having sex, to reduce your shortness of breath.
Decreased interest in sex is often attributed to aging. In fact, most older adults continue to be sexually active, although at a slower pace.
Recommended Related to COPD
Unplanned COPD Weight Loss Causes & How to Eat More Calories
Unplanned weight loss affects as many as 40 to 70 percent of COPD patients. Why? Because COPD patients require more energy just to breathe! An individual without lung disease uses about 100 calories a day expanding and contracting the muscles involved with breathing. A person with COPD, however, needs between 430 and 720 calories a day just for the work of breathing. This is true even if they are unaware of this extra work.When your caloric intake is not enough to meet your energy needs,...
Read the Unplanned COPD Weight Loss Causes & How to Eat More Calories article > >
Modifications in sexual activity may be helpful to conserve energy and breath. Choosing the time of day when breathing is easiest can help. A side-by-side position and focusing more attention on caressing can be less tiring. You may find that it helps to take medicine (such as a bronchodilator) before having sex, to reduce your shortness of breath.
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