The comfort that comes from an intimate relationship can be affected when you have CTCL. CTCL symptoms can be both emotionally and physically painful, which can affect your intimate relationship. It can affect a person’s feeling of attractiveness to a partner. This can change the way couples show each other affection. While having CTCL does not change what matters most in your relationship, being aware of the challenges CTCL can present to a relationship is helpful. This awareness can help you protect and improve the intimacy you share. Here are some tips to help create or maintain an intimate relationship.

Talk openly and honestly
Open communication is at the heart of improving the intimacy you share with your partner. Let your partner know if you need time and space to adjust to changes in your body. And when you are ready to be sexually active again, let your partner know that too. Be honest about what you want and what feels comfortable for you. Keeping an open mind about ways you can express and experience intimacy also can make a difference.

Taking it step-by-step
There are other ways of being intimate besides sexual activity. For some couples, cuddling and kissing are ways to stay close. For others, lovemaking is important too. If you choose to be sexually active with your partner, protecting affected areas with clothing can make lovemaking more comfortable.

Learning more
You may want to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about being sexually active. Your doctor may suggest ways to manage fatigue, depression, or other symptoms that can affect intimacy.