Sexual dysfunction

So, I can't seem to be able to reach orgasm anymore. I've done some research and discovered that this could be MS related or it could be a result of the antidepressant I'm on, which also makes it MS related. Can anyone relate or offer a solution to this problem?

Theresa, I can relate. My libido disappeared along with the onset of MS when I was 41. After many years it returned. But orgasm is more difficult to attain now. I've stopping trying to figure out what has caused the change, including blaming MS and depression/anxiety. What has helped me get my mojo back again is maintaining a sexual fantasy life and having regular sex, with and without a partner (I'm single). I also went through perimenopause and then menopause at the same time my libido returned and my orgasms returned and reached nearly the same intensity as when I was young. I think that was not a coincidence, the hormonal shift. We hear that menopause causes a loss of libido, but that isn't true of everyone. It was the opposite for me.

Another thing I've learned: It also helps to not get focused on the orgasm, just enjoy the arousal. The upside of not climaxing is that you can make sex last longer.

I don't know if this is any help to you, Theresa. Things can change, I guess that is what I want you to know.I remember feeling aggrieved at the loss of attaining a climax; our sexual selves our part of our identity. So perhaps you are feeling a kind of identity crisis along with this? I know I did. Embrace what you can enjoy. It is possible that climax will happen again one day. All my best to you.

Kim, moderator

Wow. I like the honesty in this forum. I am 42 years old, and have no interests in romance, or anything else. For one, I had an ovary removed, and then a procedure for an embedded IUD which sent me into a 6-8 week menopausal faux episode. I mean, I was burning up every night after the operation, drenched in sweat any time of the day. I was so sad, I thought menopause had started, however it went away. Anyway, it took any little bit of libido I had left. LOL!!! I hope I get it back as you suggested Kim. Otherwise life is pretty annoying and frustrating at this point.

Glad there is a place that is not scared to talk about what is really going on in an everyday struggle with MS.

Thanks to you both.

One of my symptoms before diagnosis was a decreased ability to achieve orgasm. I was also menopausal so I just thought it was that. By the time I was dx I was just about numb there. Also have bowel and bladder issues. Just like it was dead! Nothing. I started HRT therapy and it seemed to help other menopausal symptoms. ( hot flashes, moodiness, etc). I kept trying to achieve orgasms but very difficult and usually not at all. Yes it does bother you. But then out of nowhere, 5 years later it is the opposite. I can be doing nothing and all of the sudden I m intensely aroused and it's quite annoying. Specially if you're grocery shopping or visiting with your family! I can now have orgasms at times. So you just never know with this disease what's around the corner.