Multiple Sclerosis and Libido

Many people suffer from diminished libido (a low desire for sex), regardless of whether they have a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis or not. In fact, according to a recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, low sex drive may affect over 40 percent of women in the United States. In addition, living with MS can put you at increased risk for developing sexual health complications, including decreased libido. The good news is that the double whammy of being female and having MS doesn't mean a healthy and satisfying sex life is something you'll have to sacrifice.

According to Tanuja Chitnis, MD, assistant professor of neurology and director of the Partners Pediatric MS Center at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, MS can affect the libido in several ways. Depression, a common complication of multiple sclerosis, is known to affect libido, both directly and as a side effect of certain antidepressants. Diminished libido can also have direct, physical causes related to Multiple Sclerosis.

Dr. Chitnis says that solutions to sexual health problems can often be found in strengthening partnerships. "Couples therapy can help people overcome issues in their sex life," she says. It can also help you come up with new ways of looking at your relationship. At the Partners MS Center in Boston, where Chitnis is a neurologist, she refers patients to a psychologist so that couples can get help working together on relationship issues, including sexual health problems.

Multiple Sclerosis and Diminished Libido: Why It Happens, What You Can Do 
 
Listed here are some of some reasons why multiple sclerosis may affect the libido either directly or indirectly, as well as actions you can take to proactively care for your sexual health.

Multiple Sclerosis and Diminished Libido: Role of Depression 
 
Sexual health and depression have a complex relationship. Depression is extremely common among people living with Multiple Sclerosis. In fact, studies suggest that the rate of depression among people with MS is not only higher than the rate in the general population, but also higher than in populations of people with chronic illnesses other than multiple sclerosis. In fact, decreased libido could even be a sign that you are suffering from depression.

The good news is that depression is treatable. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be exhibiting signs of depression — he or she can offer you more information, and if necessary determine how to treat the problem.

Multiple Sclerosis and Diminished Libido: Medication Side Effect?

If you are being treated for depression, and notice a decrease in libido, talk with your doctor. Certain antidepressant medications have been shown to repress libido and have sexual side effects. It could be that a different medication would be a better fit for you.

Other medications that are used to treat multiple sclerosis directly may have side effects that can lead to a diminished libido as well. The steroids that treat flare-ups, and MS medications called beta-interferons, which are used to slow disease progression, can cause depression, which in turn can lead to decreased sexual interest. Additionally, these drugs may have a host of other unpleasant side effects, including pain, headaches, nausea, and insomnia. Any of these symptoms may also contribute to a lack of sexual interest.

Multiple Sclerosis and Diminished Libido: Physical Symptom of the Disease 

Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and nervous system by attacking myelin, the protective covering of the nerves. When myelin is under attack or damaged, nerves do not function properly. If an attack damages parts of the brain that control sexual response or nerves that send messages to the sexual organs, complications can result, including a lack of arousal and difficulty achieving orgasm.

Common physical symptoms of MS, such as fatigue, spasticity, and pain, also can interfere with the enjoyment of sex, as well as affect your ability to perform. Women also may experience vaginal dryness, which can be alleviated by using over-the-counter lubrications. For men, several prescription medications are available to treat erectile dysfunction. Couples counseling may also be beneficial because it can help partners develop new strategies to deal with physical limitations. The upside is that modifying sexual positions and exploring new forms of sexual contact are fun and effective ways of dealing with such sexual issues for many people.

Multiple Sclerosis and Diminished Libido: Emotional Reaction to the Disease 
 
The stress of being diagnosed with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis can also lead to a lack of sexual interest. Feelings of guilt, or that you're letting your partner down, can may then contribute to a cycle of depression. Again, couples counseling can help you and your partner address emotional reactions that might accompany your MS diagnosis.

Sexual health is an important part of your overall well-being. And while adjustments are often required for people living with MS, it's still very possible to have a healthy and satisfying sex life.

By Connie Brichford