Couple’s Experience with Multiple Sclerosis in the Context of their Sexual Relationship

Abstract

Sexuality is an important aspect of a couple's relationship, but is often neglected in literature which focuses on the dysfunction associated with illness or disability. This study considers the impact of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the couple's sexual relationship. The purpose of the study was to understand the ''lived experience'' of couples in which the female partner was diagnosed with MS during the relationship. An in-depth semi-structured interview was used with each partner separately. Participants identified the primacy of communication in coping with the effects of MS. The women with MS live with the unpredictable course of their disease and doubts about their worthiness, attractiveness, and identity. The male partners of these women with MS perceived little impact on the women's sexuality, likely because the women went to great lengths to maintain their customary roles and to buffer their male partners from the full impact of the disease.

Couple’s Experiences When Men are Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the Context of Their Sexual Relationship

“…Female participants reported finding meaning in communication and support from their partners. ''This study exemplifies how the issue of sexuality and disability is highly personal and multifaceted, and should therefore be addressed in a holistic manner [19].'' Disability can have a significant impact on couples' sexual relationship and on roles, especially if one partner takes on a caregiver role [19,22].…”

“…Recent literature on sexuality and disability does not reflect the lived experience of individuals with disabilities [19]. The importance of including the voice of an individual's experiences was exemplified in the article focused on women with MS and their sexual partners [19].…”

“…The importance of including the voice of an individual's experiences was exemplified in the article focused on women with MS and their sexual partners [19]. Female participants in this study dealt with the disease in a specific and unique way.…”

“…A preceding study [19] was conducted to understand the experience of women diagnosed with MS and their partners, with respect to their sexual relationships. The methods used to collect and analyze data in this study, as well as the majority of the literature reviewed, were identical to the previous study.…”

A Multiple Timepoint Pre-post Evaluation of a ‘Sexual Respect’ DVD to Improve Competence in Discussing Sex with Patients with Disability

“…Many people report challenges in meeting a partner, along with worries about isolation and being unable to experience affection, touch, or intimacy [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Studies indicate that patients with physical disabilities are dissatisfied with the amount and quality of information and support around sexual function [21].…”