IBD
Sex and Intimacy: When to Disclose Your Diagnosis
People both love and hate to talk about sex, depending on the company. Especially with the added element of IBD-related surgeries, the talk becomes trickier. But IBD specialists and patients of the South Asian IBD Alliance recently hosted a Facebook talk on sexuality and intimacy with IBD. It was educational and inspiring.
One point that interested me was the panel's take on when to disclose your diagnosis. They suggested that disclosing the details of your illness should be done sooner than later to create a trusting environment. However, you need to first get a feel for the person’s level of empathy. Never settle for someone who you sense will not take it well or be supportive, but when you trust your gut and find a trustworthy person, share your story not with a tone of fear but rather with a matter-of-fact attitude that your diagnosis is simply a part of your reality. The honesty will benefit you both.
I’m including the link for the talk below, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
https://www.facebook.com/SouthAsianIBD/videos/948327535809807
1 - 1 of 1 Replies
I agree with you 100%, Wendy! All of our various chronic health conditions are part of who we are, but that doesn't mean we always want to talk about them or put those conditions on display for the world. However, intimate relationships require honesty and trust. If people find someone that they want to pursue a future with, then I think they should disclose all parts of themselves as soon as they're comfortable doing so. If they're not comfortable talking about their illness with a specific someone, then that person probably isn't meant to be a partner for them, because - like you said - they'll know in their gut whether they trust this other person and when it's time to be honest about the condition.