Sexual problems affecting women
Sexual arousal, response and orgasm depend on good spinal cord connections and undamaged nerve pathways between the brain and the base of the spinal cord.
Many women with MS will experience sexual difficulties at some point. While there are no specific medications available to treat these symptoms, there are things you can do to help.
Try vaginal lubrication
Vaginal dryness can make sex painful or uncomfortable for a woman. It could be a result of MS, or it could be a side effect of certain medications. Using lubricant can help. They're widely available over the counter at chemists and some supermarkets.
Water-based or silicone-based ones are safe with condoms. The tube or packaging will say what type it is. Silicone-based ones can last longer but might be hard to rinse off or clean up.
If you think a medication you’re using might be causing the dryness, bring this up with your doctor, or MS team.
Experiment with ways to orgasm
One of the main sexual issues for women with MS is being less able to orgasm. While there is currently no medication to fix this, there are things you can do to help. Many women find that they can still have orgasms, it just takes longer and can need more stimulation.
Spending more time on foreplay can help you to reach orgasm. Lots of women use vibrators, either alone or with a partner, as they are one of the easiest ways to reach orgasm.
Find out more about managing sex and MS
If you're looking for information about contraception, pregnancy and childbirth, see our section on women's health.
