TY - JOUR
T1 - Female sexuality in multiple sclerosis
T2 - The multidimensional nature of the problem and the intervention
AU - Bronner, G.
AU - Elran, E.
AU - Golomb, J.
AU - Korczyn, A. D.
PY - 2010/5
Y1 - 2010/5
N2 - Female sexual functioning is a complex process involving physiological, psychosocial and interpersonal factors. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is frequent (40-74%) among women with multiple sclerosis (MS), reflecting neurological dysfunction, psychological factors, depression, side effects of medications and physical manifestations of the disease, such as fatigue and muscle weakness. A conceptual model for sexual problems in MS characterizes three levels. Primary SD includes impaired libido, lubrication, and orgasm. Secondary SD is composed of limiting sexual expressions due to physical manifestations. Tertiary SD results from psychological, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. Sexual problems cause distress and may affect the family bond. Practical suggestions on initiation of discussion of sexual issues for MS patients are included in this review. Assessment and treatment of sexual problems should combine medical and psychosexual approaches and begin early after MS diagnosis. Intervention can be done by recognizing sexual needs, educating and providing information, by letting patients express their difficulties and referring them to specialists and other information resources.
AB - Female sexual functioning is a complex process involving physiological, psychosocial and interpersonal factors. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is frequent (40-74%) among women with multiple sclerosis (MS), reflecting neurological dysfunction, psychological factors, depression, side effects of medications and physical manifestations of the disease, such as fatigue and muscle weakness. A conceptual model for sexual problems in MS characterizes three levels. Primary SD includes impaired libido, lubrication, and orgasm. Secondary SD is composed of limiting sexual expressions due to physical manifestations. Tertiary SD results from psychological, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. Sexual problems cause distress and may affect the family bond. Practical suggestions on initiation of discussion of sexual issues for MS patients are included in this review. Assessment and treatment of sexual problems should combine medical and psychosexual approaches and begin early after MS diagnosis. Intervention can be done by recognizing sexual needs, educating and providing information, by letting patients express their difficulties and referring them to specialists and other information resources.
KW - Female sexual dysfunction
KW - Intercourse-outercourse approach
KW - Multidimentional intervention
KW - Multiple sclerosis
KW - Physician role
KW - Talking about sex
KW - Treatment
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77951104232&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01314.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01314.x
M3 - ???researchoutput.researchoutputtypes.contributiontojournal.systematicreview???
AN - SCOPUS:77951104232
SN - 0001-6314
VL - 121
SP - 289
EP - 301
JO - Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
JF - Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
IS - 5
ER -