En español | Your doctor tells you that you have diabetes, heart disease, prostate problems or another chronic condition. "Any questions?" he asks. You ask several, all except for one you're too timid to bring up: "What about sex?"

See also: When Making Love Hurts

Every chronic condition is different, but here are six things you need to keep in mind:

A chronic condition doesn't have to put an end to your love life. — Silas Images /Corbis

1. Find information and support. Don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor about the sexual implications of your condition and the sexual effects of your medications. He no doubt has heard these questions many times before. Next, search the Internet: sexual effects of (blank), then list your medications. You may get different answers. But you'll come away with a useful overview.

Join the organization devoted to your condition. It's a rare chronic condition that doesn't have a national organization. To find the organization, search the Internet, or visit the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse. Ask the organization for information on coping sexually, and possibly, for a referral to an expert on your condition's sexual implications.

Finally, most chronic-condition organizations sponsor support groups. Consider joining and asking group members how they cope sexually.

2. Be flexible. If you define "sex" as just intercourse, and can no longer do that, you might think that your sex life is history. But if your definition of sex is more flexible, then bidding farewell to intercourse is like passing up one dish at a huge buffet. Even if you can't have intercourse, there are many ways to enjoy physical intimacy, fulfilling lovemaking and orgasm. Men don't need erections to climax. Satisfying sex is based on leisurely, playful whole-body massage. Even those with severe disabilities can often kiss, cuddle, use sex toys, receive massage and oral sex, and perhaps provide it. Focus not on your disabilities, but on your abilities. Where there's a will, there's a way.

3. Stay as healthy as possible. "How can I be healthy?" you ask, "I have this damn disease." Yes, you do. But you'll feel better, have an easier time managing your condition, and retain more sexual interest and ability if your lifestyle is as healthy as possible, so check with your doctor and come up with a plan that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Here are some things you should consider:

• If you smoke, quit.
• Don't drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day.
• Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
• Within your abilities, strive for regular moderate exercise, ideally, at least 30 minutes a day.
• Get at least seven hours of sleep a night.