Relationships and Multiple Sclerosis

As most of us have probably found out at some point in our lives, relationships can be difficult. However, when you add a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis into the mix, it can create a whole new series of challenges.

When writing this article, I talked to a close friend who is in such a relationship. She described it to me like this, “MS is a bit like an imaginary ex-partner that hasn’t quite moved on, unwelcome, hangs around a lot, time consuming and doesn’t always like us spending time together”.

So, how are feelings like these reflected in current research literature?

Recent scientific findings have highlighted the impact that multiple sclerosis can have on relationships, but positively, also potential solutions that may be able to address problem areas. For example, studies have shown that sexual dysfunction is an issue that commonly affects couples that include a partner living with multiple sclerosis. However, it is often a “forgotten” symptom that is underdiagnosed and undertreated for those living with multiple sclerosis.

While many treatment options are available for this symptom, it has been observed recently that an already available multiple sclerosis therapy may have the added benefit of improving sexual function. This small preliminary study looked at the effects of natalizumab (Tysabri) and found that people in the trial reported reductions in sexual dysfunction within 24 weeks of starting this therapy.

More research will now need to be done in larger, placebo-controlled studies to enable definitive conclusions to be made.

Additionally, a study from Sweden published in July investigated the association between multiple sclerosis and divorce. It found that men with multiple sclerosis had a significantly higher risk of getting a divorce than the general population, though there was no difference observed in women with multiple sclerosis.

Interestingly, this may tie in with another study just published that suggests that men with multiple sclerosis are four times less likely to seek social support than women. This observation was due to both a lack of understanding that services were available to provide this support and not acknowledging the need for help.

This is the most important point. We know that feelings of isolation and being alone are common in people with multiple sclerosis, but as we always stress, you definitely aren’t! Whilst the published data on this subject isn’t extensive, studies have shown that both psychological and clinical treatment options exist that can provide many benefits for issues that can be challenging in relationships.

Written by MStranslate co-founder, Brett Drummond.