[Sexual dysfunctions and sexual satisfaction among multiple sclerosis patients]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system with unclear pathogenesis. Among other clinical manifestations, sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common but still underreported and underdiagnosed symptom of the disorder. SD in MS patients may resultfrom a complex set of conditions and may be associated with multiple anatomic, physiologic, biologic, medical and psychological factors. SD arises primarily from lesions affecting the neural pathways involved in physiologic function. In addition, psychological factors, the side effects of medications and physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscular weakness, pain and concerns about bladder and bowel incontinence may also be involved. Since MS primarily affects young people, SD secondary to MS may have a great impact on quality of life.Thus, maintaining a healthy sexual life with MS is an important priority.