97pc of people with MS have symptom doctors don't want to talk about
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97% of people with MS report experiencing sexual dysfunction and fewer than 5% receive help for it, according to a study released today for MS Awareness Week. The report with the MS Together Charity, has revealed the reality of sexual dysfunction among people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
A new survey, 'The Missing O', by British sexual wellness retailer sextoys.co.uk in partnership with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) campaigner Roxy Murray and the MS Together charity has revealed 97.4% of respondents have experienced sexual dysfunction symptoms, some for over 10 years, yet over two-thirds of respondents felt they were unable to discuss the issue with their medical provider.
Of those that did, only 4.5% felt their doctor addressed their concerns adequately, and over 16% felt their concerns were dismissed. Sextoys.co.uk has partnered with Roxy Murray to highlight the challenges many individuals with MS face.
The most common sexual dysfunction issues experienced by those with MS revealed in the survey include:
Decrease in libido (68.8%)
Fatigue impacting sexual activity (64.3%)
Decreased sensation (57.1%)
Roxy said: 'While it is often well known in our community that many people with MS experience Anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm), many people do not openly discuss it, let alone with a doctor. It can be an embarrassing topic, and discussing it with a doctor can be challenging, especially if that doctor is unprepared. That's why we are breaking the silence with real solutions backed by experts and the MS community.
'Healthcare providers should receive comprehensive education on MS-related sexual dysfunction and be equipped with the tools to offer real, informed advice. Sexual well-being plays a crucial role in mental health and in nurturing fulfilling relationships. Many people with MS report experiencing relationship stress due to these significant sexual health concerns. We are also collaborating with junior doctors at King's College to ensure they are prepared to have inclusive, open conversations with all individuals living with MS.'
Dr Kyrie Wheeler said: 'MS can cause many different symptoms, including muscle weakness, reduced touch sensation and visual changes. Some of the symptoms that are less talked about, but not less important, are how having Multiple Sclerosis can affect sexual health. Tiredness, muscle weakness, and reduced sensation can all negatively affect how the body responds to touch. Alongside sexual aids, talking therapy and exercise programs can also address sexual health concerns. Open communication with healthcare providers about sexual health and exploring potential solutions, including the use of sexual aids, is crucial for managing this aspect of MS, and the onus should be on medical practitioners to include sexual dysfunction in the symptoms they monitor.'
Sextoys.co.uk has worked with the MS community to curate sexual aid bundles for MS Awareness week aimed directly at addressing the most common sexual health complaints of those with MS, and 100% of the profits will be donated to the MS Together charity.
Amy Thompson, Founder and CEO of MS Together charity said: 'Multiple sclerosis affects over 150,000 people in the UK. The more sensitive symptoms of MS are often overlooked and rarely discussed, even within the community, despite their prevalence. That's why we're pleased to see increasing research, surveys shedding light on the topic of sexual dysfunction.'
To find out more about the survey and/or to make a donation, visit https://www.sextoys.co.uk/content/c/ms-together.
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