Contraception, Disability and Illness

Male Contraceptive and Reproductive Issues

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Men with RA may experience decreased libido and/or incidents of erectile dysfunction due to joint pain, fatigue, depression and side effects of medication. Some studies have indicated that men with RA have lower serum testosterone levels that are associated with decreased fertility.

As in other conditions with such symptoms, condom use and/or support of a partner's contraceptive use may be affected by uncertainty of erection and/or desire. A man dealing with symptoms that may already draw his attention away from sexual arousal may find it more difficult to attend to contraception or safer sex practices.

• www.sexualhealth.com
• www.bccpd.bc.ca/i/pdf/WDI/Sex_DisabilityWebliog.pdf
• www.arc.org.uk/about_arth/booklets/6037/6037.htm

Last Modified: September 5, 2006