Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sexual and micturition problems in multiple sclerosis patients: Psychological issues

  • Published:
Sexuality and Disability Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction and micturition problems are widespread in MS patients. Especially in the case of sexual dysfunction, there is a complex interplay of factors. It is important that counsellors are well aware of this. The most common links between symptoms and iatrogenic effects too are discussed. Since sexuality not only consists of performance but also of desire, the major influences of MS on the patients' and their partners' fantasies are discussed. It is shown how patients and partners often increase their handicap due to inhibition to trying out new experiences and roles. In addition, the place of sexuality in the couple and sociocultural influences are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Vas, C.J., Sexual impotence and some autonomic disturbances in men with multiple sclerosis,Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 1969, 45, 166–169

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Miller, H., CH. A. Simpson, W.K. Yates, Bladder dysfunction in multiple sclerosis,British Medical Journal, 1985, 1, 1265–1269

    Google Scholar 

  3. Goldstein, I., M.B. Siroky, D.S. Sax, R.J. Krane, Neurological abnormalities in MS,Journal of Urology, 1982, 128, 541–545

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Lilius, H.G., E.G. Valtonen, J. Wikstrom, Sexual problems in patients suffering from MS,Journal of Chronic Diseases, 1976, 29, 643–647

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Lundberg, P.O., Sexual dysfunction in female patients with multiple sclerosis,International Rehabilitation Medicine, 1981, 3, 32–34

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Fog, T., Mellerup, E., Kyhn, K., Raus, N., Zeeberg, I., Heltberg, A., Evaluation of disability, incapacity and environmental status scales in Multiple Sclerosis.Acta Scandinavica Neuroleptica, 1984, suppl. 101, 77–86

    Google Scholar 

  7. Minderhoud, J.M., J.G. Leemhuis, J. Kremer, E. Laban, P.M.L. Smits, Sexual disturbances arising from multiple sclerosis,Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 1984, 70, 299–306

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Frank, E., Anderson, C., Rubinstein, D., Frequency of sexual dysfunction in “normal” couples.The New England Journal of Medicine, 1978, 299, 11–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Ssasz, G., D. Paty, W.L. Maurice, Sexual dysfunctions in Multiple Sclerosis,Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1984, 436, 443–452

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Mc Guire, E.J., J.A. Savastano, Urodynamic findings and long-term outcome management of patients with multiple sclerosis-induced lower urinary tract dysfunction,Journal of Urology, 1984, 132:102

    Google Scholar 

  11. Valleroy, M.L., Kraft, G.H., Sexual dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis.The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1984, 65, 125–128

    Google Scholar 

  12. Jensen, S.B., Sexuality and chronic illness: biopsychosocial approach,Seminars in Neurology, 1992, 12, 135–141

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Kirkeby, H.J., E.U. Polsen, T. Pedersen, J. Dorup, Erectile dysfunction in multiple sclerosis,Neurology, 1988, 38, 1666–1671

    Google Scholar 

  14. Poser, C.M., J.G. Blaivas, The evaluation of sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. In: C. Poser (ed.),The Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. New York, Stuttgart: Thieme-Stratton, 1984, 94–100

    Google Scholar 

  15. Van Son-Schooner, N., Traumatische handicaps en hun invloed op de seksualiteitsbeleving.Handboek seksuele hulpverlening 3. Van Loghum Slaterus: Deventer en Antwerpen, 1987

    Google Scholar 

  16. Griffith, E.R., B. R. Trieschman, Sexual functioning in women with spinal cord injury,Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1975, 56, 18–21

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Vermote, R., Ketclaer, P., Carton, H., Pain in Multiple Sclerosis.The Clinical Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgery, 1986, 88-2, 87–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Strauss, D., Biophysical issues in sexuality with the neurologically impaired patient,Sexuality and Disability, 1991, 9, 49–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Bregman S., R.G. Hadley, Sexual adjustment and feminine attractiveness among spinal cord injured women,Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1976, 57, 448–450

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Devreese, A.M., Perineal physiotherapy in the treatment of female urinary incontinence as an alternative to surgery,International Urogynecology Journal, 1992, 3, 33–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Van Poppel, H., R.L. Vereecken, A. Leruitte,Neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower tract in multiple sclerosis, Paraplegia, 1985, 21, 374–379

    Google Scholar 

  22. Vereecken, R.L., H. Van Poppel, G. Boeckx, A. Leruitte, Long-term adrenergic blocking therapy in detrusor-urethra dyssynergia,European Urology, 1985, 133, 39–41

    Google Scholar 

  23. Van Poppel, H., P. Ketelaer, R.L. Vereecken, Neuro-urological problems in MS: diagnosis and treatment. In: R. Gonzette, P. Delmotte (eds.)Immunological and Clinical Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis. Lancaster: M.P.T. Press 1984, 263–269

    Google Scholar 

  24. Ssasz G., D. Paty, S. Lawton-Speert, K. Eisen,A sexual function scale in multiple sclerosis, Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 1984, 100–101, 37–45

    Google Scholar 

  25. Skord, K.G., Schumacher, R., Masculinity as a handicapping condition.Rehabilitation Literature, No 9, 10, 1982, 284–289

    Google Scholar 

  26. Stewart, T., Penile prosthesis: potential value of medical psychiatric assessment and psychotherapy,Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 1985, 44, 18–24

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Joffe, R.T., Lippert, G.P., Gray, T.A., et al., Mood disorder and multiple sclerosis.Archives of Neurology, 1987, 44, 376–378

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Minden, S.L., Schiffer, R.B., Affective Disorders in Multiple Sclerosis: Review and recommendations for clinical research.Archives of Neurology, 1990, 47, 98–104

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. American Psychiatric Association,Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders.Fourth Edition, Washington: A.P.A., 1994

    Google Scholar 

  30. Matson, R.R., N. A. Brooks,Adjusting to multiple sclerosis: an exploratory study, Social Science and Medicine, 1977, 11, 245–250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Bezkor, M.F., A. Canedo, Physiological and psychological factors influencing sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis, part II: Emotionality and sexuality in persons with multiple sclerosis,Sexuality and Disability, 8, 147–151

  32. Millon, T.,Modern Psychopathology, Philadelphia-London: W.B. Saunders Company, 1969

    Google Scholar 

  33. Crawford, J., G. Mc. Ivor,Psychological profiles of hospitalised MS patients. Annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, New York, September 1, 1967

  34. Rao, S.M., Cognitive and Neuroimaging changes in MS“Multiple Sclerosis” A Neuropsychiatric Disorder. In: U. Helbreich (ed). Washington: American Psychiatric Press, 1993, pp. 55–73

    Google Scholar 

  35. Stenager E., E.N. Stenager, K. Jensen, Sexual aspects of multiple sclerosis,Seminars in Neurology, 1992, 12, 120–124

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Willi, S., Die Zweierbeziehung. Reinbeck: Rowohlt, 1975

    Google Scholar 

  37. Birk, K., R. Rudick,Pregnancy and multiple sclerosis. Archives of Neurology, 1986, 43, 719–726

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Segal, J.,My Mum needs me, London, Penguin, 1992

    Google Scholar 

  39. Vermote, R., Van Poppel, H., Peuskens, J., Seksuele problemen bij multiple sclerose.Handboek Seksuele Hulpverlening 2. Van Loghum Slaterus: Deventer en Antwerpen, 1986

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychotherapy department, University Center St.-Joseph, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070, Kortenberg, Belgium

    R. Vermote M.D. (Psychoanalyst, member, consultant, neuropsychiatrist)

  2. Belgian Association for Psychoanalysis, Stationlei 31, 1800, Vilvoorde, Belgium

    R. Vermote M.D. (Psychoanalyst, member, consultant, neuropsychiatrist)

  3. Catholic University, Louvain

    J. Peuskens Ph.D., M.D. (Professor of Psychiatry)

Authors
  1. R. Vermote M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. Peuskens Ph.D., M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Vermote, R., Peuskens, J. Sexual and micturition problems in multiple sclerosis patients: Psychological issues. Sex Disabil 14, 73–82 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02590620

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02590620

Key Words

Search

Navigation