Let’s Get It On: 10 Tips on Maintaining Your Sex Life with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease in which your airways become partially blocked. COPD makes breathing difficult and daily activities harder — including sex. 

Still, many people can have fulfilling sex lives while living with COPD by following a few helpful tips.

If you take inhaled medication before exercise, you may want to talk to your provider about taking it before sex. Inhalers like bronchodilators help reduce shortness of breathing and wheezing during intimacy. Get to know when your long-acting medicine is working at its peak, and plan sex around this time.

People with severe COPD may need to use supplemental oxygen, whether all the time or only when symptoms flare up. Talk to your doctor if you think you’d benefit from supplemental oxygen during sex. If you use oxygen already, ask about increasing your flow rate during sex.

Exercise increases strength and stamina, making physical activity like sex easier for those with COPD. Your healthcare provider can teach you exercises that work directly on strengthening your breathing muscles to decrease your breathing effort.

Since sex can lead to shortness of breath, it's important to remove any environmental triggers — like dust, smoke, or scents — that may increase COPD symptoms. 

While candles and incense may seem romantic, they can release irritating particles into the air. If using lubricant or other products during sex, look for unscented varieties. 

Tell your partner what you need from them to help manage your symptoms. Let them know what is and isn’t working, and ask them what they are needing and wanting as well. Talking openly will help both of you feel relaxed and figure out ways to enjoy your most intimate moments together.

Plan sex for a time of day that is optimal for you. When are your symptoms less present and when do you feel most rested? Also, be sure to wait several hours after eating a heavy meal — a full stomach can make breathing more difficult.

Try new positions with your partner that help you breathe easier. To help prevent shortness of breath during sex, it's best to avoid positions that put pressure on your chest. You can also use pillows to help with positioning. Asking your partner to make more of the movements will decrease your lungs’ effort, too.

There’s no shame in taking a break if you need one. If you are feeling breathless or have other symptoms, slow down or stop for a few minutes. This could be a good moment to use your inhaler, get a glass of water, or change positions. 

Using sex toys when intimate with your partner can increase stimulation while decreasing your physical effort. Toys can be used in addition to or instead of other, more vigorous forms of intercourse. Experiment with your partner to find toys that enhance the experience for both of you.

If you have COPD, it's important that you see your healthcare provider on a regular basis. Ask them if you have any questions about have sex while living with COPD. Although it may feel uncomfortable at first, your provider is there to help and has access to resources to help you live your life to the fullest.