Erectile dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is the most common neurological disease among young adults. Despite advances in treatment, it is still a disease inevitably leading to disability. The numerous symptoms of the disorder include sexual dysfunctions affecting up to 80% of patients which, however, are not always diagnosed and treated. They mostly affect men, and the main problem consists in achieving and maintaining an erection. This has a negative impact on mental health and impairs the quality of life. Diagnosing these disorders consists primarily in a properly taken medical history and determination of additional factors, often reversible, causing erectile dysfunction. Treating patients with multiple sclerosis and erectile dysfunction does not differ significantly from that of "healthy" patients. The most commonly used drugs are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. In the case of insufficient efficacy, other available treatments may be offered. The high prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men with multiple sclerosis should encourage neurologists to discuss this problem with their patients and, if necessary, refer them for a consultation with a urologist.