Does sex improve MS symptoms

By MWMS Sunday, July 04, 2010

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During my seven years as a RRMS patient I never had any problems with my sex life. We had abstained from sex for a few days during a relapse mainly due to emotional disturbance. But when the disease switched gears to turn into SPMS I was left facing erectile dysfunction. This combined with my ataxia and the prospect of adding more disability and other emotional factors played havoc with our sex life and left us without enjoying sex for almost one year. Then we slowly came to terms with my disease, my gait improved slightly and there was no worsening. Above all this we accepted the situation as it was and could laugh on the face of adversity. Then I started experimenting with sildenafil. 100 mg of the drug gave me an erection and we had sex. But it ended with disaster as I had pissed all over the bed and my wife at the end of the act. I did not dare try again for six months. Then I tried tadalafil 20 mg one night.This time I took care to time the act with emptying the bladder. This was a success.

Ever since I found 20 mg of the drug almost cured my problems as far as the sexual front is concerned.But during these experiments I found one interesting fact. Whenever I had sex I found improvement in my symptoms like parasthesias, gait problems.I don't know if this is a placebo effect.

May be other members of this forum can add few more points regarding this.

Sex summit

Comments (4) | Add comment

Alex

7/ 8/10 12:39pm

Hi, I have had MS for almost 14 years now, R&R type. I would have to say that I think that sex has a direct effect on MS symptoms.

I imagine that some of the hormones our bodies produce while having sex play a role. My imbalance and any coordination troubles normally disappear after having sex.

I think this could be a good topic and make a great page on my website: http://www.ms-multiple-sclerosis-symptoms.com .

Be well,

Alex

MWMS

7/ 8/10 2:13pm

In addition there might be some psychological effects too.

joguinn

7/ 8/10 4:47pm

I have progressive MS and find that overcoming my physical and emotional symptoms takes deliberate steps and making a conscious choice. Sometimes, once I push past what I call 'MS inertia' and enjoy the intimacy and pleasure of good sex the result is an improvement in my overall well being.
What this has taught me is that letting go of the struggle and being indulgent is something I need more of. Making my marriage, my partner, and my own physical needs more important than the illness results in a remarkable improvement in my MS. I don't think this is some type of measurable physiological change, but more a result of resting, focusing on myself, putting the MS in the background, and enjoying intimacy.
One more thing, my husband and I had something of a 'sex summit' about a year ago and had a frank conversation about his concerns, my needs etc. We decided to not allow MS to rob us of this part of our lives. We joke around that we "used to start with flowers," but now start with a pain pill. I gave him permission to 'push past' my flashing caution light, don't touch me vibe and trust that if I let go and enjoy, I will feel better. (having a urologist who specializes in MS doesn't hurt either)

MWMS

7/ 9/10 12:10am

Every person with MS and partners of MSers must read your comment.I agree with you the feeling that we push the boundaries and surmount our difficulties to indulge and enjoy gives a great satisfaction. In addition the satisfaction that we are able to satisfy our partners without robbing them of life's pleasures because our disease adds to that feeling.I think all these combine to improve our mental and physical state.

Does sex improve MS symptoms

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