A comparison of written materials vs. materials and counselling for women with sexual dysfunction and multiple sclerosis

Aim. Evaluate whether symptoms of vaginal dryness, low libido, less intense or delayed orgasm could be improved in women with multiple sclerosis who took part in an education or education plus counselling programme. Background. Sexual dysfunction, a prevalent symptom in women with multiple sclerosis, can negatively affect quality‐of‐life. Methods. Women attending a large multiple sclerosis clinic were invited and 62 were randomized into one of two groups. Group 1 received written materials on primary, secondary and tertiary sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis as well as additional resources (books, websites, list of local psychologists specializing in sexual counselling). Group 2 received the same written materials as well as three counselling sessions from the clinic nurse, the latter two by telephone. The primary outcome measures were the expanded disability status scale and the multiple sclerosis intimacy and sexuality questionnaire‐19. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate sexual dysfunction score over time and to compare two groups. Results. At baseline, total expanded disability status scale scores were not correlated with primary, secondary or tertiary sexual dysfunction. Total multiple sclerosis intimacy and sexuality questionnaire‐19 score was correlated with use of anti‐cholinergic medications [r (54) = 0·28, P