Biomaterial Database

Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. 1989

M E Dewis, and N G Thornton

School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) has only recently become recognized as an early and distressing manifestation of the disease in both sexes. Sexual problems appear to be a combination of direct neurological consequences, and of individual and partner reactions. This article reviews current knowledge about sexual dysfunction in MS. The major effects on sexual response (both organic and psychogenic) are discussed, as well as associated physical problems and implications regarding fertility, pregnancy and birth control. Guidelines for intervention by neuroscience nurses who work with MS individuals and their partners are addressed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009103	Multiple Sclerosis	An autoimmune disorder mainly affecting young adults and characterized by destruction of myelin in the central nervous system. Pathologic findings include multiple sharply demarcated areas of demyelination throughout the white matter of the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations include visual loss, extra-ocular movement disorders, paresthesias, loss of sensation, weakness, dysarthria, spasticity, ataxia, and bladder dysfunction. The usual pattern is one of recurrent attacks followed by partial recovery (see MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, RELAPSING-REMITTING), but acute fulminating and chronic progressive forms (see MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CHRONIC PROGRESSIVE) also occur. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p903)	MS (Multiple Sclerosis),Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating,Sclerosis, Disseminated,Disseminated Sclerosis,Sclerosis, Multiple
D001828	Body Image	Individuals' concept of their own bodies.	Body Identity,Body Representation,Body Schema,Body Images,Body Representations,Body Schemas,Identity, Body,Image, Body,Representation, Body,Schema, Body
D005260	Female		Females
D005783	Gender Identity	A person's concept of self as being male and masculine or female and feminine, or ambivalent, based in part on physical characteristics, parental responses, and psychological and social pressures. It is the internal experience of gender role.	Gender,Gender Identities,Identity, Gender
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D012649	Self Concept	Persons' view of themselves.	Self Esteem,Self Perception,Self Confidence,Self-Perception,Concept, Self,Confidence, Self,Esteem, Self,Perception, Self,Perceptions, Self,Self Esteems,Self Perceptions,Self-Perceptions
D012731	Sex Counseling	Advice and support given to individuals to help them understand and resolve their sexual adjustment problems. It excludes treatment for PSYCHOSEXUAL DISORDERS or PSYCHOSEXUAL DYSFUNCTION.	Counseling, Sex,Counselings, Sex,Sex Counselings
D020018	Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological	Disturbances in sexual desire and the psychophysiologic changes that characterize the sexual response cycle and cause marked distress and interpersonal difficulty. (APA, DSM-IV, 1994)	Frigidity,Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder,Orgasmic Disorder,Psychosexual Disorders,Psychosexual Dysfunctions,Sexual Arousal Disorder,Sexual Aversion Disorder,Arousal Disorders, Sexual,Aversion Disorders, Sexual,Disorder, Psychosexual,Disorders, Orgasmic,Disorders, Psychosexual,Disorders, Sexual Arousal,Disorders, Sexual Aversion,Dysfunction, Psychological Sexual,Dysfunction, Psychosexual,Dysfunctions, Psychological Sexual,Dysfunctions, Psychosexual,Orgasmic Disorders,Psychological Sexual Dysfunction,Psychological Sexual Dysfunctions,Psychosexual Disorder,Psychosexual Dysfunction,Sexual Arousal Disorders,Sexual Aversion Disorders,Sexual Dysfunction, Psychological