10 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life Now That You Have MS

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack your nerves and their protective tissues. As these break down, your brain has increasing levels of difficulty sending messages to your muscles and body. 

Since your nerves, spine, and brain are all involved in sexual pleasure, it’s common to have problems with sex when you have MS.

MS can cause a lot of pain and muscle spasms, weakness, and stiffness. You might find some positions are uncomfortable or that sex is painful. Talk to your partner about trying new positions that can support your body or make having MS and sex easier.

You lose sensation as MS attacks your nerves. It can cause numbness, tingling, and some people have a loss of sensation in the clitoris and vagina. You can use a vibrator, though, to build sensation and arousal. 

Some people, on the other hand, become so sensitive that stimulation hurts, so pay attention to your body.

MS can also cause vaginal dryness, which makes sex painful. Use lots of water-based lube for a better glide, and avoid petroleum products like Vaseline that can cause infection.

Some people with MS have trouble maintaining an erection. This can happen due to mood, stress, and mental health problems like anxiety or because of nerve problems. If you have trouble with erections, ask your doctor about medication like sildenafil or vardenafil.

Fatigue is a common symptom of MS. You might feel too tired after your day to have sex, or sex might make you tired. If you can, rest up before having sex with your partner or try morning sex after you’ve had a good sleep.

Body mapping is an exercise where you explore your body with touch. Spend time with your partner touching different areas to find what feels good or what’s too sensitive. Play with pressure, speed, and movement to find what you enjoy.

Some multiple sclerosis medications can lower your libido, cause problems with reaching an orgasm, or affect mood. Ask your doctor if your medications have any of these side effects. They can adjust them to help.

If you get muscle spasms that hamper your sex life, ask your partner to give you a massage. It can be a deep massage if you need better mobility and pain relief, or it can be slow and sensual to stimulate arousal. 

Bladder and bowel problems are common with MS. You might feel embarrassed about this, but you can take steps to manage your symptoms. Plan your bowel movements to happen before sex so you’re ready. Also, drink fewer fluids a few hours before and urinate before sex. Wearing a condom can also help with leakage. 

If you have low moods or depression, you might find talking to a therapist is helpful. They can also help you cope and learn ways to manage stress and your body image and sexuality. Talking to other people who have MS can also help you learn tips that help with MS and sex problems.