Sexuality & relationships
Sexual problems are very common for both men and women in the general community.
Some people living with multiple sclerosis may be concerned about a number of sexual issues including function, fertility and pregnancy. Loved ones may also be emotionally affected, trying to deal with the diagnosis and its ramifications.
Multiple sclerosis can impact sexuality by:
- lesions directly affecting neural pathways for sexual function (such as altered sensation and libido)
- symptom-related complications (such as fatigue, pain and limited movement)
- the psychological, emotional or cultural impact of living with multiple sclerosis (such as depression, body image and role changes).
There are many strategies you can use to help address these issues, including medications, exercises, mindfulness and psychology.
Sex life and MS
Sex can be difficult to talk about at the best of times. Taking away the stigma by being open about the challenges of sex and MS is an important way of improving quality of life. Watch the #SexlifeandMS animation
Building Healthy Relationships
Relationships can be tricky at the best of times. Join Counsellor, Helen Diamond as she shares her wisdom on building better relationships for you and your partner. She covers lots of helpful information, including the "love language". Do you show love by giving gifts or telling people in words? Or are you a person who shows they love someone by acts of service such as filling the car up with petrol of cooking dinner? Understanding the ways we show and give love can really help build positive relationships. (Recorded 18 June 2020)
Webinar Handouts: Building Healthy Relationships, Sound Relationships booklet
Let's talk about Sex and Intimacy in Multiple Sclerosis
Sexuality and intimacy have an important impact on the quality of life for nearly everyone, including people living with multiple sclerosis. Males and females may experience sexual dysfunction. Some studies suggest it affects between 40 and 80 percent of women, and 50 to 90 percent of men. In MS, sexual dysfunction may be one of the less talked-about symptoms of the disease with individuals feeling reluctant to discuss sexual dysfunction with their partners and or health care teams.
Presented by Associate Professor and Neurologist Dr Anneke Van Der Walt this webinar will explore some of these challenges and ways to manage them. (Recorded 2 April 2019)
Webinar handouts:
Let's talk about Sex and Intimacy in MS
Our MS Consultants can support you through this. Please contact
MS Connect™ (Freecall 1800 042 138 or email
msconnect@ms.org.au) for more information.
You can also learn more from our Sexuality education programs.