Extract

Objective

To establish the prevalence of different sexual dysfunctions in people with multiple sclerosis, and whether professionals ask for these problems and treat them.

Methods

A questionnaire with sociodemographic data, and questions regarding sexual problems and type and length of having multiple sclerosis (MS) was applied. Participants were people with multiple sclerosis attending a conference on MS (N = 106).

Results

Less than 5% of the patients with MS were asked by their health care professionals about sexual problems. Majority (> 80%) of them had some sexual dysfunction. The most prevalent sexual dysfunction in women was hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and in men erectile dysfunction and delayed orgasm. Many of the participants added to the questionnaire their wish to talk about these problems with a professional.

Conclusion

Many patients with MS have sexual problems, but nobody asks them about these problems, and they are not treated for them.

Policy of full disclosure

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