Are there any medications found to be effective for female sexual dysfunction in MS, specifically loss of libido?
Sexual dysfunction can involve reduced libido (desire), arousal (ability to respond to stimulation), or sensation (such as that caused by nerve damage). Loss of libido can be related to both physiologic and psychological factors. Its important to do a proper assessment in a woman with MS to determine the likely contributing factors. Some of the common causes of low libido in women with MS include genital numbness, depression, severe fatigue, and side effects from some symptomatic medications. The current disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS have not been associated with loss of sexual desire. Physiologically, testosterone is the sex hormone in both men and women primarily responsible for libido. Currently, the only FDA-approved medication for enhancing libido is supplemental testosterone, but this is appropriate only for those with abnormally low testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels are not caused by MS, but can occur incidentally. If indicated, supplementation can be give
