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Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract

To describe sexual dysfunction (SD) in persons with MS, its impact on quality of life and relationship with bladder function. Persons with definite MS (n = 73) from a tertiary hospital database, interviewed using standardized measures. For disability: Neurological Disability Scale (NDS), American Urological Association Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ7) and Personal Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ); participation: Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS). Mean age 50 years, 73% female, 52% progressive MS and 60% with detrusor overactivity. Fifty-one (72%) had PEQ scores indicating SD. Women reported greater SD than men (p = .013). SD included: lack of enjoyment of sexual activity (32%), failure of arousal (30%) and anorgasmia (47%). Patients who reported MS impacted ‘a great deal ‘on their sex lives, compared with those who did not, showed significant differences on PEQ Sexual Frequency (p = .01), IIQ7 (p = .03), UDI6 (p = .04) and both MSIS subscales (Physical p = .04; Psychological p = .03). The PEQ Sexual Frequency scale significantly correlated with NDS (rho = −.30), QoL Bladder score (rho = −.35) and MSIS Physical subscale (rho = −.30). No association was found between SD and age, years since diagnosis, stage or severity of MS. SD is complex and often overlooked in clinical care. Improved management options for SD may improve QoL in these persons.

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Acknowledgments

We thank all persons with MS who participated in this study. We are also grateful to L Oscari for conducting the interviews.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Melbourne Hospital, c/o Building 21, Royal Park Campus, Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia

    Fary Khan

  2. Department of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

    Fary Khan & Louisa Ng

  3. Royal Melbourne Hospital, 34-54 Poplar Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia

    Louisa Ng & Michael Whishaw

  4. Rural Health Academic Centre, University of Melbourne, 49 Graham St, Shepparton, VIC, 3632, Australia

    Julie F. Pallant

Authors
  1. Fary Khan
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  2. Julie F. Pallant
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  3. Louisa Ng
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  4. Michael Whishaw
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Correspondence to Fary Khan.

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Khan, F., Pallant, J.F., Ng, L. et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis. Sex Disabil 29, 101–111 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-011-9198-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-011-9198-4

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