MS can have a significant impact on sexual health, and it's more common than many people realize. Up to 72% of women and 91% of men with MS report changes in their sex lives. The good news is that there are ways to manage these challenges.
MS affects the nervous system, which plays a big role in sexual function. When nerve Show Full Answer
MS can have a significant impact on sexual health, and it's more common than many people realize. Up to 72% of women and 91% of men with MS report changes in their sex lives. The good news is that there are ways to manage these challenges.
MS affects the nervous system, which plays a big role in sexual function. When nerve pathways are damaged by MS lesions, the brain's signals to sexual organs can get disrupted — meaning the body may not respond the way it used to.
Common sexual issues related to MS include:
- Reduced or lost sex drive (libido)
- Difficulty with arousal
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginal dryness or pain
- Loss of sensation or orgasm difficulties
- Heightened sensitivity that can feel painful Other MS symptoms can also make intimacy harder, such as:
- Fatigue
- Spasticity (muscle stiffness)
- Depression or emotional changes
- Body image concerns
- Feeling like a partner has shifted into a caregiver role
Medications used to manage MS symptoms can also lower libido as a side effect. There are practical ways to work through these challenges. Some MyMSTeam members suggest using lubricants, sex aids, or toys to help with sensation and dryness. As one MyMSTeam member put it, "Use a lot of stimulation, foreplay, imagination, and patience."
Most importantly, open communication — both with a partner and a healthcare provider — makes a real difference. A neurologist is trained to understand how MS affects the body in every way, including sexually, so there's no need to feel embarrassed bringing it up.
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