Sexual problems are often experienced by people with MS, but they are very common in the general population as well. Sexual arousal begins in the central nervous system, as the brain sends messages to the sexual organs along nerves running through the spinal cord. If MS damages these nerve pathways, sexual response—including arousal and orgasm—can be directly affected. Sexual problems also stem from MS symptoms such as fatigue or spasticity, as well as from psychological factors relating to self-esteem and mood changes.
In a recent study, 63% of people with MS reported that their sexual activity had declined since their diagnosis. Other surveys of persons with MS suggest that as many as 91% of men and 72% of women may be affected by sexual problems. Ignoring these problems can lead to major losses in quality of life. Yet both individuals and health-care professionals are often slow to bring up the subject.
In women, symptoms include:
- Reduced sensation in the vaginal/clitoral area, or painfully heightened sensation
- Vaginal dryness
- Trouble achieving orgasm
- Loss of libido
In men, symptoms include:
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (by far the most common problem)
- Reduced sensation in the penis
- Difficulty achieving orgasm and/or ejaculation
- Loss of libido
Source: National MS Society
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