
S. DUPONT (Londres)
Summary : It is well known that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can adversely affect
patients in a variety of areas, including sexual dysfunction. The influence
of MS on the sexual lives of non-MS spouses has, to date, not been explored.
Another unexplored area is the way individuals cope with sexual problems. The
present study investigated how MS affects the sexual and marital lives of 116
patients and their partners. With specific reference to sexual problems, patients
were also asked about coping strategies, sex therapy, communication, use of
sexual aids and expectations for the future. A summary of the quantitative results
is followed by four case study reports. The case study format was used so as
to highlight the idiosyncratic nature of; the problems encountered; the attitudes
of patients / partners and; the approaches taken to resolve the issues.