Because sexual sensations begin in the central nervous system (CNS), MS-damaged nerve pathways can affect sexual response. A recent study showed that 63% of people with MS reported less sexual activity since their diagnosis. Other surveys showed that as many as 91% of men and 72% of women may be affected by sexual problems.1
Other multiple sclerosis symptoms, such as fatigue or spasticity, can also interfere with sexual activity. Bladder and bowel problems can cause embarrassment, which may contribute to sexual difficulty. And psychological issues such as depression, may also have a negative impact.1
It may be difficult to bring sexual problems up to your doctor, but ignoring them can mean a major loss in quality of life.
Symptoms in women1
- Reduced sensation in the vaginal/clitoral area, or painfully heightened sensation
- Vaginal dryness
- Trouble achieving orgasm
- Loss of libido
Symptoms in men1
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (the most common problem)
- Reduced sensation in the penis
- Difficulty achieving orgasm and/or ejaculation
- Loss of libido
Tips
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage this symptom, so it’s important to bring this issue up at your next appointment.
- Change your schedule. Most people have sex at night, when they are tired from a long day. Try to have sex in the morning, when you have more energy2
- Make a map of your body. MS affects the processing of nerve signals, so things that used to stimulate someone with MS may not do so because of the disease. Make a sensory “body map,” in which you systematically touch yourself all over and see what parts of you respond—and in what way. Then share what you’ve learned with your partner2
- For women: Do kegel exercises. These are also called “pelvic floor exercises,” and are done by tightening and releasing the muscle that controls your stream of urine
Helpful links
National MS Society: You’ve lost that lovin’ feeling: restarting romance
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/IMSJan03-Restarting.asp
American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
http://www.aasect.org
06223574/060788