Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by destruction of myelin in the central nervous system [1]. In addition to spasticity, weakness, sensory disturbances, depression, cognitive problems, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/anorectal dysfunction, sexual dysfunction (SD) is also a prevalent and destructive manifestation of the disease [2].
dysfunction (SD) is also a prevalent and destructive manifestation of the disease
Most MS patients experience various sexual disorders that affect different aspects of their life significantly, which demonstrates the importance of the early identification and treatment of these disorders .


This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis, to identify factors that may contribute to its occurrence, and to mesure the impact of SD on these patients' marital life.

This is a prospective study carried out on 38 women with multiple sclerosis, during a period of 1 year ( December 2022-December 2023)
We used the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to study the severity of MS-related disability, the MS Intimacy and
Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19) to assess the perceived influence of MS symptoms on sexual activity and satisfaction, the sexual function was assessed by the Female sexual function index(FSFI-6), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure psychological distress.

The mean age of participants was 34.73 years, with an average disease duration of 5.84 years , the sexual dysfunction was found in 63,15% of the patients.
75% were divorced as a result of SD, mainly represented by loss of libido, vaginal dryness, impaired orgasm, loss of genital sensation, and the presence of LUTS/anorectal dysfunction [3].
The mean EDSS was 5.5 , with a FSFI-6 score <25 in 86,6% of patients, the MSISQ-19 score was higher in divorced women, and 78,9% had a borderline abnormal score in the HADS .

Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with multiple sclerosis, and it was correlated with a higher EDSS score, a longer duration of the disease, the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms/anorectal dysfunction, and depression.

Despite the high frequency of sexual dysfunction in females diagnosed with MS, it is an often overlooked and not addressed by healthcare providers. Patients also tend to underreport this problem.
Treatment will depend on the nature of the symptoms and whether they are classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary, or likely a combination of these.
Anxiety, underestimation, lack of confidence and other imbalances may result in these patients , which strongly affects the quality of life of the person concerned.

Bartnik P, Wielgos A, Kacperczyk J, Pisarz K, Szymusik I, Podlecka-Pietowska A, Zakrzewska-Pniewska B, Wielgos M. Sexual dysfunction in female patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Brain and behavior. 2017;7(6):e00699.
Celik DB, Poyraz EÇ, Bingöl A, Idiman E, Özakbas S, Kaya D. Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: gender differences. J Neurol Sci. 2013;324(1):17–20.
Ghajarzadeh M, Jalilian R, Mohammadifar M, Sahraian MA, Azimi A. Sexual function in women with multiple sclerosis. Acta Med Iran. 2014;52(4):315–318.