MS can affect sexual function in both men and women, this happens when there is damage to the nerve pathways that sends messages to the brain and back. Also other symptoms such as Fatigue, Spasticity or Bladder issues can affect sex, as well as feeling low/mood changes and having a reduce self-esteem.
Below are typical symptoms that people experience.
Women
Lose of desire.
Dry vagina.
Numbness/altered sensation in vaginal area.
Difficulty orgasming.
The most important thing is to talk about your challenges, some people find this embarrassing, but support is there for you. We may suggest using lubricating gels or experimenting with sex toys such as vibrators. The MS Trust booklet for men and women outline various techniques to create a desire, such as body mapping or other games (see below for a downloadable booklet).
Men
Lose of desire
Flacid erection
Reduced sensation in the penis
Inability to orgasm or ejaculate
Again talking about your challenges is important, the MS team are very used to discussing Sex with pwms, if you prefer you could bring your partner to your appointment with you to help with the discussion. We may suggest body mapping (see above and the downloadable section), gels, vibrators, tablets ect. We may also refer you to different services to discuss, vacuum pumps, injections or inflatable devices.
Hereford
If you are concerned with your sexual function, please talk to the MS team, they may suggest various approaches or action a referral to either the Urology department or Sexual dysfunction service.
Downloadable Booklets:
MS Information & Publications - MS Trust Online Shop
https://shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/sex-ms-a-guide-for-men/
https://shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/sex-ms-a-guide-for-women/
Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oV-o2h1lEE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUs0v5iZEbI
Further information:
https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/sexual-problems-women-ms
https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/sexual-problems-men-ms
https://enhancetheuk.org/sex-and-disability/
https://www.aruma.com.au/about-us/blog/sex-and-disability-the-facts/
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Sexual-Dysfunction