Health Tip: Having Sex Despite Illness

(HealthDay News) -- People who have a chronic illness -- which may include heart disease, diabetes or asthma -- may have ongoing pain or fatigue that can hinder a healthy sex life.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers suggestions for how to enjoy sex, despite having a chronic illness:

• Figure out what time of day you feel healthiest and most energized, and plan sex around those times.
• Try to get plenty of rest, and make yourself feel as relaxed as possible.
• Don't have sex within two hours of eating.
• If you take pain medicine, take it at least 30 minutes before having sex.
• Drink only limited amounts of alcohol, and don't use tobacco. Both can affect sexual performance.