FAQ about MS and sexuality

It's not always easy to talk about how MS may be affecting your sexuality. But it's worth learning more about it so you can enjoy a better sex life. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about MS and sexuality.

Can having sex make my MS worse?

Having sex will not make your MS worse. In fact, satisfying sex may improve your overall well-being. Depending on the physical effects of MS, certain sexual activities may be safer and more enjoyable than others. Talk to your doctor or sex therapist about which sexual activities would be best for you.

Will MS make you infertile?

Fertility relates to a person's ability to have children. Having MS does not reduce a woman's fertility. Some men with MS may have "dry orgasms" where they climax without ejaculating. This can affect fertility but does not make the man infertile, as the semen can often be collected and used for artificial insemination. Many people with MS find that they have sex less, often due to the physical and emotional effects of MS. This has an indirect effect on fertility, because you are less likely to conceive if you have sex less often.

What kind of birth control is best for people with MS?

Both men and women with MS will still need to use birth control if they want to avoid conceiving. There's no one "best" birth control option for people with MS. Talk to your doctor to find a birth control method that's suited to you and your partner. Birth control pills, diaphragms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, or spermicidal foams and jellies can be used depending on the couple's choice, and with advice from their doctor. Women taking birth control pills should check with their pharmacist to see if any of their medications could interfere with the effectiveness of the birth control pills.

Remember that if you have MS, you are still at risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease, such as HIV/AIDS, unless you use proper protection, such as latex condoms.

Can taking birth control pills protect a woman from MS?

A number of studies are underway to investigate the use of estrogens to treat or prevent MS, but so far no definite conclusions can be drawn. There is no evidence to suggest that taking birth control pills can help protect women from MS.

Does having MS mean my sex life is over?

Definitely not! Although it's true that MS can cause some challenges for your sex life, such as a lower sex drive, reduced sensation in the genital area, or difficulty having an orgasm, there are ways to deal with this. MS doesn't need to spell the end of your sex life. See "'Sexual Healing' time" to learn more about what you and your partner can do to heat things up again.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Lets-talk-about-sex-baby