"The best piece of advice that I've received to manage my MS is to take care of myself."
Shiela, MS LifeLines Ambassador
Living with RRMS since 2002
Taking Rebif® since 2003
Sexual Issues
Sexual issues are often experienced by people with MS. That's because sexual arousal begins in the central nervous system (CNS)—where MS strikes. If MS damages the nerve pathways to the sexual organs, sexual response—including arousal and orgasm—can be directly affected. Sexual problems may also stem from MS symptoms such as fatigue or spasticity. Psychological factors and mood changes may also play a role in sexual function.
Sexuality is an important part of life. If you are having sexual problems, please do not ignore them. Speak with your health care provider. It may be a difficult and embarrassing conversation, but it's worth it.
In women, symptoms include:
- Reduced sensation in the vaginal/clitoral area or painfully heightened sensation
- Vaginal dryness
- Trouble achieving orgasm
- Loss of desire or response
In men, symptoms include:
- Changes in arousal and response
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (by far the most common problem)
- Reduced sensation in the penis
- Difficulty achieving orgasm or ejaculation
- Loss of desire or response
Dealing with sexual problems
The key to a healthy sex life in any relationship is communication. Talk with your partner, as well as your health care provider. By exploring options and requesting information, you can maintain a satisfying sex life.
A variety of therapies treat sexual dysfunction. Men should speak with their health care providers about oral medications, injectable medications that increase blood flow in the penis, penile suppositories, inflatable devices, and implants.
Women can relieve vaginal dryness by using over-the-counter personal lubricants. Petroleum jelly should not be used because it is not water soluble and may cause infection.
Working together to find other ways to give and receive pleasure allows many couples to have satisfying sexual relationships. Couples can benefit from different means of sexual stimulation. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) suggests, for example, the use of a vibrator to help overcome impaired sensation. Abnormal sensations and spasms can often be controlled through the use of medication. If bladder problems exist, techniques such as reducing fluids 2 hours before intercourse and emptying the bladder prior to sexual activity are helpful.
Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US 
Prescribing Information - Medication Guide
This information is intended only for residents of the United States.
Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Efficacy has been established in controlled studies up to 2 years in duration. Rebif is not approved for the treatment of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Rebif is available by prescription only in 22 mcg and 44 mcg pre-filled syringes and a titration pack.
Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks associated with Rebif. Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, liver disease, thyroid problems, and blood count or bleeding problems or if you have had previous allergic reactions to medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines. Rebif is not recommended for women who are or plan to become pregnant.
Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression, liver problems, risk to pregnancy, injection site problems and severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, which requires immediate medical attention.
The most common side effects with Rebif are injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Let your doctor know immediately if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This information is not intended to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Medication Guide or Prescribing Information and talk to your doctor. You can also call toll free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available by prescription only.
MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Rebif, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
MS in Balance Your Life in Full is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
Copyright 2009 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.
