The sexuality and disability of males with multiple sclerosis in Poland

• Main Authors: Marcin Popek, Aneta Grabowska-Popek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Termedia Publishing House 2014-04-01
• Series: Studia Medyczne
• Subjects: multiple sclerosis; male; disability; sexual life; Poland
• Online Access: http://www.termedia.pl/The-sexuality-and-disability-of-males-with-multiple-sclerosis-in-Poland,67,22573,1,1.html

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. In the world 2.1 mil­lion people suffer from MS. Usually MS is diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years old and may be the cause of disability. Sexual problems are very common in male patients with MS although they are less frequent than they used to be. Aim of the research study: To describe the level of disability and sexual life in males with MS. Material and methods: The study was carried out on a total of 72 MS patients. MS subtypes included 30.55% (n = 22) secondary progressive; 27.77% (n = 20) relapsing-remitting; 22.22% (n = 16) primary progressive; and 16.66% (n = 12) progressive relapsing. The research tools consisted of our own questionnaires. Neurological disability was assessed by the Regional Committee for Adjudication of Disability and by the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Results: 8.33% (n = 6) of patients reported sexual activity every day, most reported either several times a week 25% (n = 18), several times a month 33.33% (n = 24), once a month 16.66% (n = 12), a few times a year 5.55% (n = 4) or once a year 11.11% (n = 8). Our findings conclude that neurological disability, low sexual activity and frequent use of sildenafil citrate or similar were common in the patients tested. Conclusions: These problems are permanently overlooked by medical professionals. In this aspect, cooperation between neurologists and sexologists could be important. Further research is needed for better understanding of the sexuality of this particular population.