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Intimacy and Multiple Sclerosis

Romantic Relationships When Living With Multiple Sclerosis

For many people, the term “intimacy” is simply another word for sex. A satisfying, intimate relationship, however, rests on a much broader foundation, including:
  • Trust
  • Open and honest communication
  • Shared goals and expectations
  • Mutual respect and concern
Still, sexuality is an important aspect of intimacy for most couples. Living with multiple sclerosis can affect sexual feelings and responses in direct and indirect ways. But sexual intimacy does not have to disappear from a relationship when one partner has MS.Living with MS can also bring people closer together. Many people in relationships report that facing the challenges of MS has allowed them to connect with one another in new and powerful ways. They are finding an intimacy that was stronger than any they shared before.
Sex Life and MS

Tips for Intimacy for People Living With MS

sex life and what to do about them if they are.

Maintain Balance

MS symptoms may temporarily or permanently interfere with your ability to carry out your daily activities at home and at work. This can shift the roles and responsibilities in your relationship. If, and when, a relationship begins to feel too unbalanced — or one member begins to feel more like a caregiver than a partner — it can threaten closeness and intimacy. Identify ways to maintain balance in the partnership.

Manage Stress

MS can add to the challenges of everyday life by straining shared resources, including money, time and emotional energy. You may not feel that you have energy left for maintaining your emotional and physical partnership. Learning to manage everyday stresses and strains effectively can allow more time and energy for staying connected emotionally and physically." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Communicate

MS affects everyone in a relationship. Find comfortable ways to talk about the disease and its effects. Learning how to share your feelings is essential to maintaining intimacy.

Address Any Sexual Dysfunction Resulting From MS

It can be most difficult to talk about changes to your sex life resulting from MS. But open communication is key here, too. Learn about the physical and emotional changes you may be experiencing, how they might be affecting your sex life and what to do about them if they are.

Maintain Balance

MS symptoms may temporarily or permanently interfere with your ability to carry out your daily activities at home and at work. This can shift the roles and responsibilities in your relationship. If, and when, a relationship begins to feel too unbalanced — or one member begins to feel more like a caregiver than a partner — it can threaten closeness and intimacy. Identify ways to maintain balance in the partnership.

Manage Stress

MS can add to the challenges of everyday life by straining shared resources, including money, time and emotional energy. You may not feel that you have energy left for maintaining your emotional and physical partnership. Learning to manage everyday stresses and strains effectively can allow more time and energy for staying connected emotionally and physically.
Ask an MS Expert: Let’s Talk About Sex and MS

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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information on multiple sclerosis related topics. Unless otherwise indicated, the information provided is based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. However, the information does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific medical advice, consult a qualified physician. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.