Sexual Satisfaction in Fully Ambulatory People with Multiple Sclerosis: Does Disability Matter?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Primary sexual dysfunctions (SD) stem from neurological changes impacting sexual response.
• Secondary SD arise from non-neurological symptoms like fatigue or spasticity.
• Tertiary SD are linked to psychosocial factors and disability-related issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess sexual satisfaction (SS) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with mild mobility impairment (EDSS < 5.0).
• To determine the influence of SD, disability score (EDSS), mood, and coping strategies on SS in PwMS.

Main Methods:

• 76 PwMS with EDSS < 5.0 completed validated questionnaires.
• Assessments included depression (MADRS), stress coping (CISS), intimacy/sexuality (MSISQ-19), and sexual satisfaction (SSQ).

Main Results:

• SS levels in PwMS were not significantly lower than the general population.
• SS correlated with primary, secondary, and tertiary SD, and lowered mood.
• SS did not correlate with disability measured by EDSS.

Conclusions:

• Sexual satisfaction in PwMS with EDSS < 5.0 is not significantly reduced.
• Sexual satisfaction is influenced by sexual dysfunction, mood, and coping style.
• Disability level (EDSS < 5.0) did not significantly relate to sexual satisfaction.