Also known as HS or acne inversa, hidradenitis suppurativa causes symptoms that can be both painful and pretty awkward to talk to a partner about. What often begins with early stage bumps resembling pimples or blackheads progresses into painful abscesses, nodules, and cysts, which can break open and ooze unpleasant-smelling liquid, and also leave scarring. More serious cases can involve tunnels sinus tracts under the skin. Complicating matters further, HS symptoms frequently flare up in areas of skin associated with intimacy, like the breasts, groin area and genitals, inner thighs, buttocks, and anus; severe cases can even cause swelling of the genitals.
Discomfort aside, these lesions can make a person feel self-consciousβespecially without clothing. No surprise, more than half of women with HS experience some type of sexual disfunction, according to a study in the journal Dermatology. This is an aspect of the condition that both dermatologists and mental health professionals are increasingly focused on addressing.
Beginning with something basic, if you have hidradenitis suppurativa on your groin, choosing the right underwear can greatly reduce flare-ups. Anything that pinches, rubs, rides up, or makes you sweaty down there should be avoided. For fabric, think soft, breathable, moisture-wicking. These days, there are even companies that design undergarments specifically for HS; they wick away moisture to prevent microbial colonization and absorb any fluid that leaks from burst lesions.
Beyond underwear, sleeping in loose-fitting cotton pajamas and avoiding tight jeans can help prevent hidradenitis suppurativa groin flare-ups. This also gives your partner time to fully process the information. You can mention how, even though some hidradenitis suppurativa groin lesions might resemble STIs, this skin disease is not contagious, or caused by poor hygiene.
If talking about HS and sex feels overwhelming, this conversation guide may help. Now for some practical in-the-moment tips for having sex with HS.
