Reproductive Information

Conception and Sexual Dysfunction

	Read more about this topic   Sexuality and Multiple Sclerosis

There is a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among people with MS. This common condition ranges in cause from physical to emotional barriers. For women, symptoms may include vaginal dryness or numbness, decreased lubrication, difficulty reaching orgasm and pain.

For men, this may mean difficulty in achieving or sustaining an erection or difficulty reaching ejaculation. The good news is that, once addressed, many issues are treatable. It is important for people to know that sexual dysfunction is common so that they do not feel isolated. Oftentimes, this discussion needs to be initiated by the health care professional with a few well-placed questions.

• There is no evidence to support a decreased fertility rate among people with MS.

• Sexual dysfunction affects 50-90% of individuals with MS

• Libido may be decreased for physical or emotional reasons.

• Physical barriers to intercourse can include indwelling catheters, numbness, muscle weakness, spasticity or fatigue affecting positioning or endurance and bladder or bowel incontinence. Any of these can also affect positioning or endurance.

• Emotional barriers to intercourse may include: decreased self-esteem due to MS diagnosis, fear of parenting responsibilities, depression, conflict with spouse/family, other life challenges or stresses unrelated to MS.

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