Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes damage to the body’s nerve fibers and can greatly impact one’s quality of life. With symptoms that affect day-to-day activities such as weak, numb, or tingling limbs, lack of coordination, tremors, impaired vision, fatigue, and dizziness, one possible symptom of MS – sexual dysfunction – is often overlooked.
Sometimes referred to as a “silent symptom” of MS, sexual dysfunction nonetheless affects up to 80-90% of MS patients. This raises the question: if the problem is so widespread, why aren’t people talking about it?
There are many barriers to communication between MS patients and their health care providers when it comes to the topic of sexual function. From the patient’s side, some of the most frequently cited reasons for not discussing their sexuality with their providers are the high focus on other symptoms, the presence of family members or friends in the room during a doctor’s visit, and simply not being asked about their sexuality. On the other end, providers may be hesitant to address the topic of sexuality because they don’t want to cross patients’ personal boundaries, they may not feel they have sufficient knowledge about sexuality and MS, or they do not want to raise the subject in front of the patient’s family or friends.
Recently, researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria surveyed 93 patients with MS and 75 MS neurologists on the topic of communication about MS patients’ sexuality.
The results of the patient survey indicated that 76% feel sexuality is an important part of their lives, 83% believe that MS can negatively affect sexual function, and 29% reported a negative change in their sexual function since their MS diagnosis. Consistent with the “silent symptom” label, 81% of the patients said that they had never been asked about their sexual function by their neurologist, and 84% said that they would want their neurologist to ask them about their sexuality.
The MS neurologists (contacted through the Austrian Neurological Society) completed a different, provider-focused survey on the same general topic. According to the results of the provider survey, only 15% of the neurologists in the study said that they discuss sexuality with their patients, with the most frequent reason for not discussing sexuality being the concern about accidentally crossing a patient’s personal boundaries (35%). There was nevertheless a resounding desire for further education on the matter (76%) so that they would be more comfortable discussing sexuality with patients in the future.
Given the prevailing desire for more communication about sexuality among the patients in the study, the authors suggested that MS neurologists prioritize sexuality as a topic to learn more about. They also recommended that the providers inform their patients about the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in those with multiple sclerosis and initiate an open conversation about sexuality during the medical consultation.
For patients with MS, knowing that sexual function may be affected by the condition is an important starting point. They should also know that it is completely appropriate to bring up sexuality with their health care providers, particularly if it is a concern.
Resources:
Altmann, P., Leithner, K., Leutmezer, F., Monschein, T., Ponleitner, M., Stattmann, M., Rommer, P.S., Zrzavy, T., Zulehner, G., Berek, K., Berger, T., & Bsteh, G. (2021). Sexuality and Multiple Sclerosis: Patient and Doctor Perspectives. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(4), 743-749. https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(21)00224-1/fulltext
Mayo Clinic. (2020, June 12). Multiple Sclerosis – Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269
You may also be interested in...
Did You Know?
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
July 20, 2021Did You Know?
What Is the Average Penis Size?
June 1, 2021Blog
The Gynogram: Paving the Way for Better Postmenopausal Sex?
July 6, 2021SMSNA Patients
New Survey Finds Most Adolescents Who Have Labia Minora Surgery Are Satisfied
May 4, 2021Did You Know?
Outercourse
March 23, 2021Did You Know?
Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction
February 2, 2021SMSNA
Guide for Taking a Sexual Health History
July 15, 2021Did You Know?
Q&A on “Blue Ball” Syndrome
January 20, 2021SMSNA Patients
Benefits of Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown
February 9, 2021Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
