Hi there - I have had sexual problems literally my entire life. It felt like I never really even hit puberty when I was 13/14 because I never felt sexual feelings. Except for one time in my life where I felt it for 3 days then never again. Now (30 years old/female), I have several symptoms of relapsing remitting MS. All the symptoms are relapsing EXCEPT the sex problems have been literally constant my whole life. Is that normal for MS? Or did most people have normal sex feelings and if they do have sex problems, they also relapse and remit? thanks
I know it’s difficult to address it with them, but I am going to suggest you talk to the neurologist or the MS nurse about it. Sexual issues can happen in MS. Gosh, I am embarrassed to say this in a public forum, but as a 36 year old divorced female, I desired sexual interactions, but I did not have a single orgasm for about 4 years, regardless of my partners (!). That was before my diagnosis. Proof that MS can mess up this part of our life too. Let’s normalise talking about sexual problems in MS, it’s not a taboo. Now, if your experience is different to mine, you can talk to a GP, you can talk to someone you trust. Honestly, the way we feel about our sexuality is very personal but it’s your body, and it’s fine to discuss what bothers you with a trusted and experienced medical professional. Not all sexual concerns are MS related, but at the end of the day, they could be related, and we need to start from somewhere.
3 Likes
Hi, this is a very brave thing to raise. And important too.
I’m curious about you not really feeling sexual during puberty. My first thought is that individuals have wildly varying feelings of sexuality. Some persistent, almost insatiable), others everything in between.
A lot of attention is given to sex life and sexuality today in this society. Yes MS can have a detrimental effect on the whole body and it’s workings but I sense this might not be MS related. Yes, I agree talking to your neurologist could be enlightening. Remember they’ve heard probably everything. Try not to feel ashamed/embarrassed. I hope you get some answers or at least reassurance.
1 Like