FEMALE SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH QUALITY OF LIFE

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of progressive neurological
disability in young adults. Sexual problems (SP) are often experienced by people with MS. As women
with MS are 2-3 times more than men, the aim of this quantitative study is to examine female sexual
problems and its association with quality of life in Iranian MS Society.
Materials & Methods: One hundred and thirty-two women with MS filled out Multiple Sclerosis quality
of life-54 Questionnaire, Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 and demographic
and medical history questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 16 software and Pearson
correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between quality of life subscales and SP items.
Results: Delayed orgasm, pain and concern about partner's sexual satisfaction were the most frequent
symptoms of primary, secondary and tertiary sexual problems respectively. Statistically significant
negative correlations were found between Physical function, Overall quality of life, Energy, Sexual
function, Health perception and Social function subscales and all secondary SPs. Social function subscale
had strongest relation with secondary SP.
Conclusion: Body moving problems during sexual activities and exacerbation of MS were related with
all quality of life subscales. More focus on sexual problems when consulting patients may lead to improve
the quality of life for these patients