Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Sex and multiple sclerosis
Dear Dr. Fritz,
I HAVE multiple sclerosis, and this is starting to affect my sex life with my husband. How common is this? What can I do to ease my affliction? Please help.
Judy A.
Dear Judy A.,
I'm so sorry to hear about your difficulties. You see, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder characterized by breakdown of myelin and the development of plaques throughout your brain and spinal cord.
The age of onset is typically between 20 and 40 years old, with women more commonly affected than men. You probably know that this is also the case of Alma Moreno.
Symptoms often include visual problems and difficulty in recognizing people, numbness, lack of coordination and weakness or lack of control over your limbs.
It has been estimated that more than 50 percent of women and 75 percent of men with MS experience some form of sexual problems during the course of their condition. So, you are not alone in your journey.
Sexual problems include temporary or long-term loss of interest in sex, inability to achieve orgasm, difficulty in engaging in intercourse because of physical changes, or even complete lack of erection.
For women, changes in your sexual function would usually occur early in your condition. But the good news is, your condition tend to be milder than for men, especially at first.
These problems would include lowered sexual desire, as well as decreased or absent lubrication are almost as common as diminished orgasmic capacity, changes in orgasmic quality and inability to achieve orgasm.
The truth is, it is hard for me to say whether MS is the only cause or the direct cause of all your difficulties right now. Fatigue, for one, may discourage people from engaging in sexual activity.
Depression is another. Problems with recognition and relationship issues may also play a role. On to of these, the drugs that are used to treat MS (like, antidepressants, antispasmodics and anti-anxiety agents) may have a negative influence in your sexual life.
However, don't fret, as there are several mechanisms that I can suggest for you to handle your situation a lot better and make your sexual life steamier than ever.
* Plan sex early in the morning to avoid fatigue problems.
* Use side or rear entry to avoid problems of hip spasms in women with MS.
Of course, talk to your doctor about the specific problems you are experiencing right now. I know it can be so uncomfortable for you. But, working this out with your doctor can help you best.
Dr. Fritz
(For your questions, you can send them through Dt. Fritz, c/o Sunstar Davao, Granlan Bldng., R.Castillo St., Davao City or you may e-mail them at dokfritz@yahoo.com)
