Association of disability, walking, manual dexterity, and quality of life with sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients

Background/objective

This study aims to examine the relationship between sexual dysfunction and walking ability, manual dexterity, disability, and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Methods

51 sexually active MS patients (28 females and 23 males) participated in the study. Demographic data were recorded for all patients. We used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to assess sexual function, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to determine disability, the SF-36 to assess quality of life, the Nine-Hole Peg test (9-HPT) to evaluate manual dexterity, and the Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW) to assess walking ability.

Results

Sexual dysfunction was found in 92.9% of females and 73.9% of males. Common issues in females included decreased sexual desire, decreased sexual arousal, and lubrication and orgasm problems, while males reported erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, and decreased intercourse satisfaction. Significant correlations were observed between FSFI and SF-36 scores in females and between IIEF scores and the 9-HPT, EDSS, and SF-36 scores in males.

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction is common among both male and female MS patients and is associated with disability, manual dexterity, and quality of life. Raising awareness is essential to support appropriate treatment approaches and improve the quality of life for these patients.