Living with multiple sclerosis : women's experiences of sexuality and intimate relationships.

A literature review on the influences upon sexual adjustment following a chronic physical illness is reviewed. Results found that a variety of psychological, physical and social factors influence sexual adjustment. Research has explored the multiple factors, for example coping strategies and emotional adjustment. It was concluded that sexual adjustment is a complex process, which must be understood within a systemic context. The current study examined the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) upon women’s sexuality and intimate relationships. Eleven women with MS were interviewed. Many factors affected sexuality and whether or not the women had positive intimate relationships. Among women with MS, sexual relationships needed to be understood within the wider context of their lives. Positive relationships with significant other people, such as their partners and wider society, were important to their sense of sexuality