MS & Intimacy
Yes, a healthy sex life is still possible with MS. Although your body
may not have the same flexibility or strength you had before. It's
important that you talk honestly with your partner about any physical limitations you might experience. You two can make the needed
adjustments and then an intimate sex life can be achieved!
The biggest hurdle might be an emotional one.
With all the challenges you consume each day with MS it's understandable to be to overwhelmed for sexual activity. But you might be surprised by how intimacy can help to offset your MS struggles.
****************************************************************************************************
Web
MD
January 4, 2015
MS and Your Sex Life By R. Morgan Griffin
Keep your sex life exciting, playful, and fun. The key is to take the time to find out what's important to you and your partner.
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/features/sex-ms-tips-satisfying-sex-life?ecd=wnl_mls_020615&ctr=wnl-mls-020615_nsl-promo_5&mb=ve404vhbymNPc5NkDgOR3mdEpmNqbUHLQEwCqJ0RFJg%3d
More common than anyone suspects, the unspoken issue of sexual dysfunction, affects more than half of the MS population
http://wwwmsviewsandrelatednews.blogspot.com/2014/10/more-common-than-anyone-suspects.html
A place for you to speak about those symptoms that aren't so easy to talk about with everyone, like Urinary Issues and Bowel Issues and Sexual Dysfunction.
MS Society Class
Intimacy: Enriching Your Relationship—4 hours
Intimacy and sexuality are sensitive issues for most people, but when you or someone you love has MS, there may be even more complications. It helps to know that there are ways you can manage problems and improve communication and you can do that through the interactive scenarios and worksheets included throughout the course.
Sex and Multiple Sclerosis articles
Top 10 Sex Tips for Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Top 10 Sex Tips for Men with Multiple Sclerosis
Loss of Sexual Desire Q & A
http://www.mscando.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/ask-the-can-do-team/question-answer/#faq43
Maintaining Intimacy With Multiple Sclerosis
WebMD article 2013
It is not surprising that many people with multiple sclerosis report a decline in sexual desire. What with the fatigue, muscle spasms, and bladder control problems, who would want to think about sex? But, there are steps that can be taken to improve sexual function and intimacy, despite MS.
How Does Multiple Sclerosis Impact Sexual Function?
Changes in sexual function can occur as a result of the neurologic and psychological affects of multiple sclerosis.
Neurologic Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Sex
Sexual arousal begins in the central nervous system, as the brain sends messages to the sexual organs along the nerve pathway in the spinal cord. MS-related changes to these nerve pathways can directly or indirectly impair sexual functioning. For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain:
* Decreased sex drive
* Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity)
* Difficulty or inability to maintain erection
* Decreased vaginal lubrication
* Decreased vaginal muscle tone
* Ejaculation difficulty
* Problems having an orgasm
The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments:
* Fatigue can suppress sexual desire
* Spasticity can interfere with sexual positioning or cause pain
* Sensory changes can make physical contact uncomfortable.
* Pain
Psychological Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Sex
A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as:
· Depression
· Performance anxiety
· Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability
What Can Be Done to Improve Sex With Multiple Sclerosis?
Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis. The most important way of dealing with sexual difficulties is to discuss your feelings with your loved one. When MS begins affecting your sexual desire, talk to your partner. Confiding in your partner deepens intimacy and may help resolve concerns relating to sexual intimacy.
Articles
* http://ms.about.com/od/forfriendsandfamily/f/ms_wife sex.htm
* http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-maintaining-intimacy
* [PDF] MS Learn Online Feature Presentation Sex and Intimacy
Daily Strength post
This is a sensitive subject. I don't want to make others feel odd. when you have a wonderful and 100% healthy
partner who. has ' needs' knowing that I have neglected my husband I am having a few glasses of wine before
myREBIF shot. Maybe if I have enough wine it will be easier.
Please respond other ways to sexually fulfill your healthy partner.
I apologize for the sensitivity of the subject.
Responses
>It's hard to "get in the mood" when you're dealing with all the MS issues you have. Although nightly wine can
help you feel like you can "get things going", unfortunately that's when you are most tired : Ozzz!
You might be better equipped in the mornings You could try a Bailey's & cream in your morning coffee?
I know our significant others are already cooping with all our other MS crap but...a little intimate activity might
help them feel more motivated and positive in dealing with you and your MS
> I know how you feel. My giddy up and go has got up and went and I'm having a hard time balancing how I feel
against hubby's needs. I'm blessed to have an understanding spose though. Before he was diagnosed with type 1
diabetes he went thru what I'm going thru now. I'd rather snuggle or stay in than go out or get the engines revving
because working and living take so much out. We've had to work on improving our communication and that's just
as hard as not being in the mood. I've also had problems on my end with going our with a bang. It's more of a fizz
these days and that takes the fun out of it as well.
More
Intimacy and Sexuality in MS - A National MS Socie...
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Multiple_Sclerosis_MS/forum/15265949-sexuality
may not have the same flexibility or strength you had before. It's
important that you talk honestly with your partner about any physical limitations you might experience. You two can make the needed
adjustments and then an intimate sex life can be achieved!
The biggest hurdle might be an emotional one.
With all the challenges you consume each day with MS it's understandable to be to overwhelmed for sexual activity. But you might be surprised by how intimacy can help to offset your MS struggles.
****************************************************************************************************
Web
MD
January 4, 2015
MS and Your Sex Life By R. Morgan Griffin
Keep your sex life exciting, playful, and fun. The key is to take the time to find out what's important to you and your partner.
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/features/sex-ms-tips-satisfying-sex-life?ecd=wnl_mls_020615&ctr=wnl-mls-020615_nsl-promo_5&mb=ve404vhbymNPc5NkDgOR3mdEpmNqbUHLQEwCqJ0RFJg%3d
More common than anyone suspects, the unspoken issue of sexual dysfunction, affects more than half of the MS population
http://wwwmsviewsandrelatednews.blogspot.com/2014/10/more-common-than-anyone-suspects.html
A place for you to speak about those symptoms that aren't so easy to talk about with everyone, like Urinary Issues and Bowel Issues and Sexual Dysfunction.
MS Society Class
Intimacy: Enriching Your Relationship—4 hours
Intimacy and sexuality are sensitive issues for most people, but when you or someone you love has MS, there may be even more complications. It helps to know that there are ways you can manage problems and improve communication and you can do that through the interactive scenarios and worksheets included throughout the course.
Sex and Multiple Sclerosis articles
Top 10 Sex Tips for Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Top 10 Sex Tips for Men with Multiple Sclerosis
Loss of Sexual Desire Q & A
http://www.mscando.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/ask-the-can-do-team/question-answer/#faq43
Maintaining Intimacy With Multiple Sclerosis
WebMD article 2013
It is not surprising that many people with multiple sclerosis report a decline in sexual desire. What with the fatigue, muscle spasms, and bladder control problems, who would want to think about sex? But, there are steps that can be taken to improve sexual function and intimacy, despite MS.
How Does Multiple Sclerosis Impact Sexual Function?
Changes in sexual function can occur as a result of the neurologic and psychological affects of multiple sclerosis.
Neurologic Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Sex
Sexual arousal begins in the central nervous system, as the brain sends messages to the sexual organs along the nerve pathway in the spinal cord. MS-related changes to these nerve pathways can directly or indirectly impair sexual functioning. For example, the following symptoms can occur as a direct result of myelin breakdown in the spinal cord or brain:
* Decreased sex drive
* Altered genital sensations (numbness, pain, increased sensitivity)
* Difficulty or inability to maintain erection
* Decreased vaginal lubrication
* Decreased vaginal muscle tone
* Ejaculation difficulty
* Problems having an orgasm
The following symptoms can arise as a consequence of MS physical changes or treatments:
* Fatigue can suppress sexual desire
* Spasticity can interfere with sexual positioning or cause pain
* Sensory changes can make physical contact uncomfortable.
* Pain
Psychological Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Sex
A loss of interest in sexual contact or intimacy may arise as a result of psychological or social issues associated with multiple sclerosis, such as:
· Depression
· Performance anxiety
· Changes in self-image or body image as a result of disability
What Can Be Done to Improve Sex With Multiple Sclerosis?
Talk to your partner about your sexual issues and multiple sclerosis. The most important way of dealing with sexual difficulties is to discuss your feelings with your loved one. When MS begins affecting your sexual desire, talk to your partner. Confiding in your partner deepens intimacy and may help resolve concerns relating to sexual intimacy.
Articles
* http://ms.about.com/od/forfriendsandfamily/f/ms_wife sex.htm
* http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-maintaining-intimacy
* [PDF] MS Learn Online Feature Presentation Sex and Intimacy
Daily Strength post
This is a sensitive subject. I don't want to make others feel odd. when you have a wonderful and 100% healthy
partner who. has ' needs' knowing that I have neglected my husband I am having a few glasses of wine before
myREBIF shot. Maybe if I have enough wine it will be easier.
Please respond other ways to sexually fulfill your healthy partner.
I apologize for the sensitivity of the subject.
Responses
>It's hard to "get in the mood" when you're dealing with all the MS issues you have. Although nightly wine can
help you feel like you can "get things going", unfortunately that's when you are most tired : Ozzz!
You might be better equipped in the mornings You could try a Bailey's & cream in your morning coffee?
I know our significant others are already cooping with all our other MS crap but...a little intimate activity might
help them feel more motivated and positive in dealing with you and your MS
> I know how you feel. My giddy up and go has got up and went and I'm having a hard time balancing how I feel
against hubby's needs. I'm blessed to have an understanding spose though. Before he was diagnosed with type 1
diabetes he went thru what I'm going thru now. I'd rather snuggle or stay in than go out or get the engines revving
because working and living take so much out. We've had to work on improving our communication and that's just
as hard as not being in the mood. I've also had problems on my end with going our with a bang. It's more of a fizz
these days and that takes the fun out of it as well.
More
Intimacy and Sexuality in MS - A National MS Socie...
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Multiple_Sclerosis_MS/forum/15265949-sexuality