Ways of coping with sexual problems among MS patients and their partners : four case studies

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.



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