Unfortunately, it often appears to be one more aspect of a normal, healthy lifestyle that is relinquished by chronic pain sufferers.
Pain affects sexuality in many ways.
First, there is the psychological impact of pain on sexuality. This is reinforced whenever pain does occur during sex and may lead to avoidance of sexual activity. There are also many medications used to treat pain that interfere with interest in sex and with the ability to function sexually. On the emotional side, besides the fear of experiencing pain, many factors may contribute to a loss of interest in sex. This includes depression, which is not uncommon in those with chronic pain.