Lung Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): emphysema; chronic bronchitis

Asthma

Cystic fibrosis

Heart problems

Stop smoking if you have not already done so.

If your lung problem causes shortness of breath, you may be able to tolerate only moderate levels of activity, including sex.

It is important to remember that some shortness of breath during sex is normal. If the sexual act is not too stressful to the heart, no damage to the lungs or other organs will occur during intercourse.

Depending on which medicine you are taking, possible side effects include decreased lubrication in women and diminished erections in men. Do not stop taking your medicine if side effects occur. Your doctor may be able to change the timing of the medicine, lower your dose and/or combine several medications in order to reduce the side effects you are experiencing.

Women with decreased vaginal lubrication can use water-soluble lubricants (K-Y jelly, Astroglide, etc.), sold over the counter in most pharmacies.

Sometimes erectile problems are resolved after the medication has been adjusted. Remember that erectile dysfunction does not prevent you from being sexually active and giving towards the one you love. This may be a good time to explore alternative ways of being loving and intimate with your partner without having firm erections.

If you feel a reduced interest in sex, remember that you still can have a loving relationship with your partner without sexual activity. There are many ways of expressing your love and fondness, without having sex, including cuddling and kissing each other.

If you feel very tired, try to plan intimate time with your partner at times when you are most rested. Do not plan sex immediately after awakening because secretions accumulate during sleep, and may cause excessive coughing,

Choose a familiar, comfortable, and relaxing environment. Depending on your lung-problem, you may want to use an inhaler or cough drops before intercourse. Have a box of tissues accessible.

Use the positions during intercourse that feel most comfortable and relaxing. Being on the bottom may put more pressure on your chest, reducing your ability to breathe freely.

Breathing and use of oxygen may be easier if you are lying down side-by-side, either facing each other or having the woman's back against the male's chest. The seated position, using a low wide chair may also be comfortable. Another position allows the woman to lean forward with her chest supported by the bed (or something else), with the male entering from behind. Some of these positions are well illustrated in the reference book by Sipski & Alexander.

Remove any unnecessary clothing to relieve the feeling of being closed in.

Tape your oxygen tubing in place and use extensions to allow for greater mobility.

Prolonged kissing and oral sex may result in shortness of breath.

If you start coughing or having shortness of breath, slow down. Try to continue to caress each other and to maintain the intimate feeling that has developed.

within 2-3 hours after heavy meals

when fatigued

right after awakening, because of the accumulation of secretions during sleep

right after heavy physical exertion.