Sexual difficulties for persons with multiple sclerosis in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

This 1992 study was conducted to ascertain the incidence of sexual difficulties in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) living in New South Wales, Australia. New South Wales is a state lying roughly 29-36 degrees south of the equator. This is currently the largest study conducted. The anonymous questionnaire completed by 283 respondents included questions on sexual difficulties, relationship satisfaction and the ability to communicate about and seek help for the sexual difficulties. In this study, 30% of respondents claimed to have sexual difficulties attributable to MS. Sexual difficulties were experienced by 51% of female and 74% of male respondents. For females, the most frequently occurring sexual symptoms were difficulty with achieving orgasm, lowered libido, dissatisfaction with sexual performance, dissatisfaction with frequency of intercourse, arousal difficulties and decreased vaginal lubrication. For males, by far the most common problem was decreased frequency of intercourse, followed by dissatisfaction with sexual performance, masturbation difficulties, difficulty with achieving vaginal orgasms, erectile dysfunctions, retarded ejaculation and premature ejaculation. Overall, females rated their sexual difficulties as 10th in order of importance of disabilities from MS and males ranked sexual difficulties as fourth in importance. For both males and females, sexual disability increased with age, relationship unhappiness and disease disability. Communicating about sexual difficulties was an issue for both males and females. Fifty five percent of males and 39% of females had been able to talk about their sexual difficulties and of these, only 29% of males and 36% of females had been able to access help for their sexual difficulty. Educational level did not predict ability to talk about, or ability to access help. There was a very low satisfaction rate for the sexual help received. The study highlights areas of need for the MS population.