What is a neurological disorder?
A neurological disorder is a disease or injury of the central nervous system that causes paralysis of any part of the body.

Will multiple sclerosis result in sexual problems?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can make it difficult for both men and women to achieve orgasm. Men may also be unable to get an erection and ejaculate.

Fortunately, many couples, where one partner suffers from MS, are still able to have a fairly good sex life, particularly if they are prepared to help each other.

In recent years, the development of Viagra has made a vast difference to men who have difficulty getting erections as a result of MS. Though it doesn't work in every case, it does restore potency to about half of all sufferers. Viagra is available on the NHS for MS patients. Some men with MS also get good results from injections such as Caverject or Viridal Duo.

Will injuries to the spinal cord cause sexual problems?

Injuries to the spinal cord often cause paralysis which affects sexual function.

Men can lose the ability to get an erection. However, three out of four men can still get an erection if they are stimulated and some may still be able to have sexual intercourse.

Is it possible for a person with a neurological disorder to have children?
It is often quite difficult for men with neurological disorders to ejaculate and therefore they have a problem if they would like to have children. But with the use of mechanical aids, for example, a vibrator that is placed on the tip of the penis or in the rectum, it may be possible to obtain semen for insemination. Unfortunately, the man's sperm count may be low, so it may still be difficult for his partner to conceive.

There is also a relatively new method of collecting sperm from men who are totally unable to get an erection. This is achieved by means of electrical stimulation and is called transrectal electro ejaculation (TREE). This is carried out in specialist centres like Bourn Hall in Cambridgeshire. It costs just under £3000. This method has benefited many men whose disorder has been brought about by an accident, in which case the cost of treatment is sometimes covered by legal compensation.

Unfortunately there is no automatic right to NHS fertility treatment for people with neurological disorders. In fact, for fertility purposes they are treated exactly the same as anybody else having difficulty in conceiving. This means that you may or may not get NHS treatment - depending on where you live in the UK.

Women, on the other hand, continue to have normal fertility despite their paralysis. They are still able to ovulate and menstruate and are able to go through a pregnancy and give birth, even though the disease or injury affects their lives in other ways.

What problems will women have with sexual intercourse?
Neurological disorders do not cause women the same kind of problems with sexual intercourse as men. Women's ability to achieve orgasm may be restricted but many women are able to continue to have a fairly satisfying sex life despite their disability. With the help of their partner many women have found ways to achieve mutual pleasure and satisfaction.

How is it possible to keep up an active sex life with a neurological disorder?
It is quite understandable if men and women who are paralysed have a low desire for sex. But it is important that affected couples address this problem and help each other maintain their sex life.

Remember that the absence of sensation does not mean that there is an absence of desire.

Erectile problems do not mean that one cannot have a satisfying sex life. There are other ways of being sexually active.

Even if genital function is lost, it is still possible to enjoy a sexual relationship with a loving partner.

Extra help and information

Child - a nationwide support group for people with fertility problems. Tel: 01424 732361.

SPOD - an organisation that deals with sex and relationship issues in people with various disabilities. Tel: 020 7607 8851.

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