Multiple Sclerosis and Sexual Health: Adapting to Changing Sensations

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) means navigating a landscape of changing symptoms that can affect every aspect of life—including intimacy and sexual health. Despite the fact that sexual dysfunction affects between 40-80% of women and 50-90% of men with MS, these concerns often remain unaddressed in clinical settings.

“Sexual health is a fundamental aspect of overall wellbeing, yet it’s frequently overlooked in MS care,” explains Dr. Sophia Martinez, neurologist specializing in MS. “The good news is that with open communication and appropriate strategies, most people with MS can maintain a fulfilling intimate life despite changing sensations.”

This comprehensive guide explores how MS affects sexual function, practical strategies for adapting to sensory changes, and approaches for maintaining intimacy and pleasure throughout the course of the disease.

Understanding How MS Affects Sexual Function

Before discussing adaptation strategies, it’s important to understand the mechanisms through which MS impacts sexual health.

The Three Categories of Sexual Dysfunction in MS

According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, sexual issues in MS are typically classified into three categories:

1. Primary Sexual Dysfunction

These issues result directly from MS-related damage to the central nervous system:

Altered or decreased genital sensation (numbness, tingling, hypersensitivity)
Reduced vaginal lubrication in women
Erectile difficulties in men
Decreased libido (sexual desire)
Difficulty achieving orgasm

Primary dysfunctions occur because MS lesions can interrupt the neural pathways that carry sexual sensations between the brain, spinal cord, and genitals.

2. Secondary Sexual Dysfunction

These issues stem from MS symptoms that indirectly affect sexual function:

Fatigue (affecting 83.8% of MS patients according to a 2025 study)
Spasticity (muscle stiffness or spasms)
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Pain or discomfort
Mobility limitations

3. Tertiary Sexual Dysfunction

These issues arise from psychological, social, and cultural aspects of living with MS:

Depression and anxiety
Changes in self-image and body confidence
Relationship stress
Fear of symptom worsening during sexual activity
Concerns about being a burden to partners

Dr. William Rivera, sexual health therapist specializing in chronic illness, notes: “Many patients focus exclusively on the physical aspects, but the emotional and psychological dimensions of sexual health with MS are equally important to address.”

Sensory Changes and Their Impact

MS can cause a wide spectrum of sensory alterations that affect sexual experience:

Decreased Sensation

Genital numbness: Partial or complete loss of feeling in genital areas
Reduced awareness of touch: Difficulty perceiving light or moderate stimulation
Orgasmic changes: Delayed, diminished, or absent orgasms

Altered Sensation

Paresthesia: Tingling, pins-and-needles sensations during stimulation
Dysesthesia: Unpleasant or painful sensations when touched
Hypersensitivity: Heightened response to touch that may be uncomfortable

Sensory Disconnect

Sensory-arousal dissociation: Physical arousal without feeling aroused mentally
Visual-sensory disconnect: Seeing touch without fully feeling it
Sensory delay: Lag time between stimulation and sensation registration

A 2025 Medscape article reports that these sensory changes contribute significantly to sexual dysfunction in MS, with diminished clitoral sensitivity affecting many women and decreased genital sensation impacting men’s experience of arousal and orgasm.

Practical Strategies for Adapting to Sensory Changes

Despite these challenges, there are numerous practical approaches for adapting to changing sensations and maintaining sexual satisfaction.

Enhancing Sensation

When dealing with decreased sensation:

Increase stimulation intensity: Firmer touch or stronger vibration
Explore sensory-rich areas: Focus on parts of the body with preserved sensation
Try temperature play: Warm or cool sensations may be more perceptible than touch
Experiment with texture: Different textures (smooth, rough, soft) may provide enhanced sensory input
Consider sensate focus exercises: Mindfulness techniques that enhance awareness of subtle sensations

Maria, 42, living with MS for 15 years, shares: “I discovered that while genital sensation had decreased, the sensitivity in my neck and inner thighs actually increased. Focusing on these areas has helped maintain intimacy despite changes.”

Managing Uncomfortable Sensations

For altered or unpleasant sensations:

Timing matters: Schedule intimate activities when symptoms are typically less severe
Pre-emptive pain management: Take prescribed pain medication 30-60 minutes before intimate activity
Warm-up routine: Gentle massage or warm baths before intimacy can reduce spasticity
Position adjustments: Find positions that minimize pressure on sensitive areas
Communication system: Develop signals with your partner to indicate when sensations become uncomfortable

Adapting to Sensory Fluctuations

Since MS symptoms often fluctuate:

Flexible expectations: Embrace a model of sexuality that adapts to changing abilities
Sensation mapping: Regularly explore your body to track changes in sensation
Symptom journal: Note correlations between MS symptoms and sexual function
Expanded definition of intimacy: Focus on connection rather than performance

The National MS Society emphasizes that adapting to changing sensations often requires exploring different types of stimulation and adjusting sexual positions as needs evolve.

Gender-Specific Considerations

While many adaptation strategies are applicable regardless of gender, some considerations are more specific to either men or women with MS.

For Women with MS

According to research published in the International Journal of MS Care, women with MS commonly experience:

Vaginal dryness: Use water- or silicone-based lubricants generously and regularly
Decreased clitoral sensitivity: Consider devices with stronger vibration or pressure
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia): Explore positions that allow control over depth and movement
Difficulty with arousal: Extended foreplay focusing on mental as well as physical stimulation
Bladder concerns: Empty bladder before sexual activity and consider protective pads if needed

Research has shown that aquatic exercise and yoga can improve self-reported sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain in women with MS.

For Men with MS

Men with MS frequently experience:

Erectile dysfunction: PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) are effective for many
Ejaculatory problems: Altered timing or sensation during ejaculation
Decreased genital sensation: Exploration of erogenous zones beyond the genitals
Performance anxiety: Focus on pleasure rather than performance metrics
Fatigue affecting performance: Positions that require less energy expenditure

Dr. Martinez notes: “For men with MS, erectile dysfunction medications are effective in about 70% of cases, but it’s important to address the psychological aspects of sexual health as well.”

Assistive Devices and Aids

Various devices and aids can help compensate for sensory changes:

Enhanced stimulation devices: Vibrators with multiple settings and intensities
Positioning aids: Pillows, wedges, and furniture designed to reduce strain and support comfortable positioning
Hands-free options: Devices that don’t require fine motor control or extended holding
Sensation alternatives: Electrostimulation devices that bypass typical nerve pathways
Adaptive tools: Extended handles or remote controls for those with limited mobility

“Don’t hesitate to explore adaptive devices,” advises occupational therapist Leila Wong, who specializes in MS. “We wouldn’t think twice about using glasses for vision changes—sexual health deserves the same practical approach to adaptation.”

Communication Strategies

Effective communication is essential for adapting to sensory changes:

With Partners

Sensation updates: Regularly share information about what feels good, neutral, or uncomfortable
Expectation setting: Discuss realistic expectations given current symptoms
Non-verbal signals: Develop hand signals or other cues for when speech is difficult
Feedback system: Create a comfortable way to provide real-time guidance
Scheduled check-ins: Set aside time specifically to discuss intimacy needs

With Healthcare Providers

Despite the prevalence of sexual issues in MS, a 2025 Medscape report found that only 22.4% of women with MS report sexual issues to healthcare providers, and outside specialized MS clinics, only 18.75% of physicians raise sexual health issues with patients.

To improve communication:

Be direct: “I’d like to discuss how MS is affecting my sexual health”
Prepare specific questions: Write down concerns before appointments
Request referrals: Ask about sexual health specialists familiar with MS
Consider bringing your partner: When appropriate and comfortable
Seek multidisciplinary care: Urologists, gynecologists, and sex therapists can provide specialized support

Psychological Approaches

The psychological impact of sensory changes can be profound, requiring specific approaches:

Mindfulness practices: Focusing attention on available sensations rather than those that are diminished
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Addressing negative thought patterns about sexuality with MS
Sensate focus exercises: Structured touching exercises that emphasize sensation over performance
Grief work: Processing feelings about sexual changes and losses
Relationship therapy: Strengthening communication and intimacy beyond physical sensation

According to research cited in the International Journal of MS Care, sexual dysfunction contributes more to mental health and quality of life than neurological disability in people with MS, highlighting the importance of psychological support.

Special Considerations for Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) with MS face additional challenges. A 2025 study found that 85.7% of sexual minority individuals with MS have experienced homophobic behavior from clinical staff.

Important considerations include:

Finding affirming providers: Healthcare professionals knowledgeable about both MS and LGBTQ+ health
Addressing unique needs: Sexual practices may be affected differently than those assumed in heteronormative medical advice
Inclusive resources: Seeking information that reflects diverse sexual orientations and gender identities
Community support: Connecting with others who share both MS and LGBTQ+ identities

When to Seek Specialized Help

While many adaptations can be self-directed, certain situations warrant professional intervention:

Persistent pain during sexual activity
Severe emotional distress about sexual changes
Significant relationship conflict around intimacy
New or worsening symptoms during sexual activity
Medication side effects affecting sexual function

Options for specialized care include:

MS specialist neurologists
Sexual medicine physicians
Pelvic floor physical therapists
Sex therapists with chronic illness experience
MS support groups focused on intimacy issues

Conclusion: Embracing a New Sexual Narrative

Living with MS means writing a new sexual narrative—one that acknowledges challenges while embracing possibilities. As sensations change, the opportunity arises to explore sexuality beyond conventional expectations and discover new pathways to pleasure and connection.

“The most important adaptation is mental,” reflects James, who has lived with MS for 20 years. “When I stopped measuring my sexual experience against what it used to be and started appreciating what it is now, everything changed. There’s still pleasure, intimacy, and connection—it just takes a different path to get there.”

By combining practical strategies, open communication, medical interventions when appropriate, and psychological support, people with MS can continue to enjoy fulfilling intimate relationships despite changing sensations. The key lies in flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to redefine what constitutes a satisfying sexual experience.

Have you found effective ways to adapt to sensory changes with MS? Share your experiences in the comments below.