A new study led by Dr Margaret McGrath at the University of Sydney aims to explore sex and
intimacy in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS has a profound impact on sexual function
and satisfaction for people with MS and their partners. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is
high in MS, for men between 50-90% and for women between 40-80%. Research has shown
over a third of people report a relationship breakdown after a diagnosis of MS, and in a third of
couples that do stay together, relationship quality significantly declines.
People with MS experience changes in sexual function that can be considered as primary,
secondary and tertiary sexual dysfunction. Primary sexual dysfunction includes symptoms
caused by MS that have a direct impact on sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction for men
and loss of vaginal lubrication for women. Secondary sexual dysfunction includes physical
symptoms related to MS that indirectly affect sexual function, such as numbness and fatigue.
Tertiary sexual dysfunction refers to psychological factors, such as loss of self-esteem, feeling
less sexually attractive or sexually available.
The study will find out to what extent primary, secondary and tertiary sexual dysfunction is
present or absent in people living with MS in Australia and will explore people’s lived
experiences of how communication influences these factors.
Dr Margaret McGrath says, “The issue of communication is central to sexuality but at the
moment we don’t have any clear studies looking at the relationship between sexuality and
communication, so this is ground-breaking.”
The study anticipates that communication will be shown to be critical in improving sexual
satisfaction and negotiating symptoms of MS. Dr McGrath says, “The ability to communicate
effectively well is a cornerstone of sexual health. So much of intimate communication is quite
subtle. It’s quite high level communication and we’ve got to be able to read cues, we’ve got to
be able to respond.” For example, flirting is a complex communication skill.
The findings of the study will add to research in the development of interventions for health
professionals to support people with sexual dysfunction and MS. The study is currently
recruiting participants +18 yrs and living with MS in Australia.
For more information or to participate in this study visit https://tinyurl.com/MSIntimacy or email
multiplesclerosisintimacy@gmail.com