Sexuality, Intimacy, and Multiple Sclerosis

Lisa Emrich Living With It Musician, Patient Advocate, and Founder - Carnival of MS Bloggers Lisa Emrich is a professional musician. She happens to live with... Send Message Subscribe: Lisa Emrich

Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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The physical changes experienced by people who have multiple sclerosis can alter their view of themselves as sexual beings, as well as their perception of the way others view them. The psychological and cultural context in which physical changes occur can adversely affect self-image, mood, sexual and...

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Boy did you hit the nail on the head!
ladygraycloud
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 10:09 AM

This has been a problem it seems like from day one and we have talked about it and husband wants me to let him know when I'm ready but I never feel ready--all honesty I have to get high (sorry) before I can do anything sexual--the doc says its because I'm totally realxed- but there has to be something out there to help us I wish I could be like I was before but can't seem to get back there!

ladygraycloud/Suzanne

Great Article
Joan
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 06:23 PM

Hi Lisa,

This is a terrific article, thanks for taking the time to tackle such a sensitive issue.

Joan

Excellent post!
Cynthia
Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 02:19 PM

Thank you so much! My husband and I could tell that his role as care giver was affecting our relationship but I didn't know about the possible affect of MS on my desire. I'm going to look for more information about that and talk to my neurologist. Thanks again!

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LonelyinMI
Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 11:58 PM

Ok what do I do in my situation? My wife has MS and won't have sex period. She still uses her toy but just won't do anything with me. She has gone as far as to tell me I could go outside of our marriage for my physical needs and that she wouldn't hold it against me. That the stress of sex is just too much for her because of her insecurities. I don't want any one but my wife. So what do I do?

re: Untitled Comment
David Spero RN
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 07:36 PM

Can you get some help with this? Like from a counselor? Of course, most therapists aren't comfortable with or knowledgeable about chronic illness OR sexuality, so it's hard to find a good one.

It was generous of her to say it's OK with her for you to meet your needs elsewhere. There have been times I've said that to my partner, and it has helped.

But I wonder, if she still likes her toys, maybe you could be do things for her with your hands that she would really like. If she lets you try.

Sex and MS
David Spero RN
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 07:26 PM

This is a great article. My partner and I have been going through this for 20 years now, and Lisa's article is one of the best I've seen. We give workshops for couples with MS and other chronic illnesses, focuses on maintaining sex and intimacy. You can check out our site at sexandintimacydotvpwebdotcom.