Sexual function is a dimension of health that is often overlooked, but one that has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. Today is World Sexual Health Day, and for years the Hospital Clínic Barcelona has been reflecting on this aspect and striving to raise its profile.
This year, we have organized a conference to address the impact of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the sexual function of people living with the condition. Although sexuality is part of physical, emotional and relational well-being, sexual changes remain one of the least addressed symptoms in the care of people with MS, despite their high prevalence. The most recent data indicate that up to two out of three people with MS may experience some type of sexual dysfunction over the course of the disease.
In women with multiple sclerosis, a recent study places the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunctions at around 61%, with the most common issues being decreased sexual desire (48%), difficulty with arousal (40%) and lubrication problems (32%). In men, several studies have identified rates of sexual dysfunction ranging from 35% to 72%, with erectile dysfunction and decreased libido being particularly prominent.
Beyond the neurological damage inherent to the disease, Multiple Sclerosis also affects sexual health due to factors such as fatigue, spasticity, pain, bladder problems, depression, and anxiety. This combination of factors contributes to a significant impact on patients' quality of life, self-esteem and intimate relationships.
One of the most worrying aspects is that these difficulties remain underdiagnosed. A recent study of more than 500 people with multiple sclerosis found that 69% had some degree of sexual dysfunction, but only 16.9% had sought specific medical or psychological help for this reason. These figures highlight the need to systematically incorporate sexual health into neurology consultations and the multidisciplinary care of patients.
The Sexual Health Conferences, which have been organised at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona since 2022, bring together professionals from different fields to share knowledge, experiences, and intervention strategies.
The aim is to foster a holistic approach that considers not only the physical aspects of the conditions, but also those factors that directly influence patients' personal and relational well-being.
Sexual health is a right and an essential part of people's health. Talking about it openly, detecting difficulties early and offering specialized resources can make a decisive contribution to improving the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis. At the Clínic, we are committed to person-centred care, promoting a holistic view of health that also includes sexuality, a fundamental dimension that is still all too often invisible.
References:
- Toljan, K., Briggs, F.B.S. Male sexual and reproductive health in multiple sclerosis: a scoping review. J Neurol 271, 2169–2181 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-024-12250-2 . https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-022-02884-y
- Yazdani, A., Ebrahimi, N., Mirmosayyeb, O. et al. Prevalence and risk of developing sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis (MS): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Women's Health 23, 352 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02501-1
- Totuk, O., Türkkol, M., Yadi, F. et al. Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality of life in a large cohort study. BMC Neurol 25, 468 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-025-04492-y
- Gaviria- Carrillo, M., Bueno-Florez, S.J. & Ortiz-Salas, P.A. Assessment of sexual dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis: a perspective from neurologist. BMC Neurol 22, 372 (2022)
