Let’s talk about sex and MS

Sex and intimacy can be challenging topics to talk about, even though they’re common for people with and without MS.

To get the conversation going about sex and MS, we’ve launched an animation looking at some of the different ways that MS can affect intimacy and sexuality. Everyone’s experience of MS is unique though, so not everyone will necessarily experience all or any of the issues raised in the animation.

The animation, ‘Sex life and MS’, was originally created by our member, Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (Italy). We collaborated with MSIF members in Australia, Denmark, Italy, India, Lebanon, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom to adapt and translate the video so it can be shared with people affected by MS around the world.

We have translated the animation into English, Arabic, Spanish, Czech, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Finish, and Icelandic.

The animation looks at three categories of sexual issues:

1.       Those that result from damage to the central nervous system

2.       Those that are the result of other symptoms of MS

3.       Those caused by the emotional aspects of MS

The video, which addresses the different challenges that both men and women may face, highlights the importance of communication, whether with a doctor, a partner, or a trusted friend. It also includes a few practical strategies for managing sexual challenges.

Talking about these issues and trying to break down the taboo around them is one way of improving quality of life with MS. By being open and honest about sexual issues, we can start to challenge the stigma.

The video addresses some of the unseen symptoms that people with MS can face, which is a key part of this year’s World MS Day campaign, My Invisible MS.

Watch the animation and join the conversation on social media through the hashtag #SexlifeandMS.