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sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a very common problem in the MS population at all stages of the disease although the reasons for the sexual dysfunction may vary over time.  Although MS may directly involve parts of the nervous system required for normal sexual function, quite often the sexual problems result from a complex interaction between MS involvement of areas of the nervous system involved in normal sexual function, other medical conditions, medications, mood disorders and relationship issues,

Sexual dysfunction is a subject that often goes under recognized and under treated. Patients are often reluctant to reveal they are having sexual difficulty or health care providers are unwilling to address these issues. As a result it often becomes more difficult to treat sexual problems because of the chronic nature of the issues and the behaviors that are established by couples as a result of the sexual problems. Clinical psychologists can help surmount these chronic issues and work with individuals or couples to promote more sensitive communication to help enhance the sexual experience.

Some physical and occupation therapiest are trained to address positioning techniques to enhance sexual comfort and the use of sexual devices to enhance sexual pleasure. More often patients will need to seek out a sex therapist or other sources of informal information and assistance.

Bowel, bladder, fatigue, and spasticity problems may also contribute to sexual dysfunction and if this is a problem, treatments are available to enhance sexual function. 

Additional sexual dysfunction treatments may include:  sex education materials, oral medications (Viagra-sildenafil; , Levitra-vardenafil; Cialis-tadalafil), topical hormones for both men and women, sex therapy (body mapping other than genitals), counseling, provision of sexual devices (vibrators, lubricants,) intracorporeal injection of medication into the penis, noninvasive physical treatments for erectile dysfunction (vacuum tumescence penis pumps), or surgery for erectile dysfunction (implantation of inflatable or semi-rigid rods). 

Source:  http://www.va.gov/MS/articles/Sexual_Dysfunction_and_Multiple_Sclerosis.asp
​
General Information on Sexual DysFunction
resources for sexual dysfunction

PLEASE NOTE:  The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.  Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

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  • About Us
  • Home
  • Virtual MS Center
    • Q & A for Virtual MS Center
    • Read About Our Virtual MS Center Staff
  • News & Resources
  • Seminar Registration
  • Health & Wellness
  • Blogs
    • Physician Blog >
      • Healthcare Provider Blog
    • Physical Therapy Blog
    • Patient Blog
    • Caregiver Blog
    • Research Blogs >
      • "Ask Dr. Debbie" Research Blog
      • Multiple Perspectives In Multiple Sclerosis Research Blog
  • About MS
    • What is MS?
    • Diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • MS Tips
  • Symptoms
    • Balance and Walking Issues
    • Breathing/Respiratory
    • Bowel Dysfunction
    • Cognitive Dysfunction
    • Crying/Laughing Uncontrollably (PBA)
    • Depression and Anxiety
    • Dizziness/Vertigo
    • Dysphagia
    • Fatigue
    • Foot Drop
    • Hearing or Smell or Taste Changes
    • Heat Sensitivity
    • Leg Weakness
    • Loss of Hand Dexterity and Coordination
    • Memory and Mutliple Sclerosis
    • Migraines
    • Numbness/Tingling/Altered Sensation
    • Nystagmus and Oscillopsia
    • Pain
    • Sexual Dysfunction
    • Sleep Issues
    • Spasticity/Spasms/Cramps
    • Speech/Swallowing
    • Urination/Bowel Problems
    • Vision
  • MS Clinics
  • MS Topics
    • Pregnancy and Infertility
    • Caregivers and Family Members
    • Employment and MS
    • Medical Costs and Insurance
    • Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
  • Register With Us
  • Terms of Use/Privacy/HIPAA
  • MS HealthCare Journey