Body image, sexual dysfunction and psychological distress in people with multiple sclerosis

This study examined the relationships between sexual functioning, body image and mood in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

104 people with MS and 101 healthy controls (HCs) completed an online survey that assessed sexual functioning, body image, and psychological well-being variables. People with MS were compared to HCs across study variables. Body image and psychological well-being variables were used as predictor variables in regression analyses with sexual functioning variables as dependent variables.

People with MS reported greater sexual dysfunction (SD). They also reported lower body appreciation, higher levels of body dissatisfaction, poorer interoception, higher levels of anxiety and depression, and poorer quality of life, each of which were associated with SD. Body image and mood variables, in addition to disability status and illness duration accounted for 48.6% of the variance in tertiary SD (R² = 0.485, F (7, 96) = 12.914, p < 0.001, adjusted R² = 0.447).

Findings highlight the importance of assessing the nature of SD so that appropriate interventions can be delivered given the repercussions it has for quality of life. Interventions such as CBT and mindfulness-based programmes, in addition to psychoeducation and rehabilitative practices such as yoga may be beneficial.Implications for rehabilitationPeople with multiple sclerosis were significantly more impacted by sexual dysfunction, reported significantly greater body dissatisfaction, significantly lower body appreciation, and poorer body awareness compared to healthy controls.This study highlights the importance of identifying the domain(s) of sexual dysfunction being experienced so that the intervention can be tailored to the needs of the person.Interventions that target body awareness and improve the mind-body connection may protect against sexual dysfunction.