Sexual problems are extremely common in the MS population for several reasons. The overall burden of having the disease can put a strain on relationships, which can impact communication, sexual desire and/or intimacy. MS can also directly impact the ability of your body to function correctly in terms of sexual responses, arousal or orgasm. Physical and emotional changes can also have an impact, such as fatigue, specificity, or self esteem and mood changes.
Living with MS or having a partner that has MS can be very difficult at times. There’s a lot of stress and uncertainty that surrounds this disease, and even couples that are seasoned at handling stressful times can find themselves impacted at one time or another. If a couple is lacking positive communication in general, this can easily lead to a breakdown in intimacy as well. For this disease (and any other issue really) Communication is key. The ability to be open with your partner is huge when trying to manage MS and all of the symptoms that go along with it.
From a biological standpoint, MS can mess things up for both men and women due to The fact that sexual arousal, response and orgasm needs a clear pathway from the brain through the spinal cord, which often isn’t present as disease progresses. In men, erectile dysfunction and issues with ejaculation and reaching orgasm can be present. In women, reduced sensations in vaginal/clitoral areas, increased pain, issues with vaginal lubrication and difficulty reaching orgasm can be present.
Other physical side effects can also have a impact on sexual function. Fatigue, spasticity, mood changes, bladder or bowel control, etc. all of these other symptoms can have a an effect on sexual comfort or performance. This is another example of one communication with your partner is key. Being able to say that “yes, you would like to be intimate with them but this other symptom is standing in the way”, is so important. it is important for you to be able to advocate for yourself so you get your needs met, but is also important for your partner to hear that MS is standing in the way, not that they have done something wrong.
The treatment for sexual problems can vary. I’ve already discussed communication several times, but it definitely bears repeating. Communication with your partner is possibly the number one thing you can do to change your outlook towards sex. MS can make sex an extremely frustrating experience, but with communication, you both can tackle the issue together, instead of having it create an issue between you both.
For men, there are treatments for erectile dysfunction available, the same medications that are available for men without MS. Unfortunately there are no medications available to help with ejaculation. The process of ejaculation and orgasm are much more complicated of a process, and need intact communication between the brain and spinal cord for those processes to occur.
For women, making time for extra foreplay at the beginning of sex is incredibly useful. This can be helpful for increasing your own vaginal lubricant and also helping you get closer to orgasm from the beginning. When your own body falls a bit short, using lubricant during sex is important, as not being adequately lubricated can lead to increased pain. It is possible to still reach orgasm, but it just might take a little, lot longer than it did previously. Finding new ways to be stimulated and aroused can be very helpful in the orgasm endeavor.
One of the best things to try as a couple are exploring each other in a non-sexual way, laying with each other or massage. Being able to be physically close with your partner in a non sexual way is important, to both the health of the relationship and the sexual health of the relationship. Realizing that intimacy isn’t just about sex, but it is about being close and comfortable, was a game changer.
Being able to say, “let’s try again next time” is also important. I’ve had many situations where no matter what I tried, nothing was happening, and I just needed to be able to say, not today. Neither I, nor my husband did anything wrong, it just wasn’t in the cards for me in that day, which isn’t my fault. That is the biggest take away I hope that anyone can glean, that this isn’t your fault.
One of the aspects of sex that isn’t discussed often is the feeling of guilt that can accompany the MSer. Guilt about not “giving” enough sex, or leaving your partner high and dry. Guilt about not feeling up to it yet again, or guilt about having it hurt and having to stop. I know that I have felt these things, and more than likely, I’m probably not alone. Guilt can be a tough emotion, especially in the context of sex. It can really muddy the waters, and bring uncomfortable and yucky emotions into play. I’ve done a lot of work within myself and with my husband around these feelings. The number one thing that helped me was talking to my husband about them, and how I felt. Only when I, and him, were honest about our feelings, were we able to fully understand the impact of my guilt on our relationship.
Again, I tell you, it’s not your fault.
As always, if you want to join the LissMS community, come on over! click here!
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What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her
Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.
You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.
Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.
And man did it help.
I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.
This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.
I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)
We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs
Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport
What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her
Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.
You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.
Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.
And man did it help.
I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.
This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.
I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)
We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs
Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport
First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!
Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?
A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.
How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.
Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!
If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.
I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS.
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.
I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis
First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!
Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?
A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.
How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.
Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!
If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.
I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS.
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.
I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis
5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms
In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement
• Breathing
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!
Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!
Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!
Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!
5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms
In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement
• Breathing
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!
Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!
Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!
Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!
5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms
In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics
Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?
5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms
In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics
Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?
5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS
1. Addition before subtraction
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed
More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!
5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS
1. Addition before subtraction
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed
More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!
Just a guess…
Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.
I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)
Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..
You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..
In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.
Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.
Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life
Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
Just a guess…
Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.
I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)
Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..
You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..
In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.
Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.
Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life
Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
Stress & MS!!
• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
Stress & MS!!
• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
Don’t think people pleasing & being a perfectionist with 0 boundaries is adding to your stress?
Think again babe 😬
It’s amazing how different my clients have felt after stopping these patterns-
And having support while doing so is paramount.
Embodied Resilience is that place for support and change.
Comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details!!
Don’t think people pleasing & being a perfectionist with 0 boundaries is adding to your stress?
Think again babe 😬
It’s amazing how different my clients have felt after stopping these patterns-
And having support while doing so is paramount.
Embodied Resilience is that place for support and change.
Comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details!!
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!
Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.
My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???
While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)
You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.
If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.
I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..
then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”
You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡
Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?
If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.
This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.
We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!
#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!
Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.
My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???
While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)
You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.
If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.
I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..
then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”
You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡
Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?
If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.
This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.
We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!
#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)
And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.
Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)
And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.
Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
More ways my life has changed
👇🏼👇🏼
- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!
These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too”
But they absolutely will!!
I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.
The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness
More ways my life has changed
👇🏼👇🏼
- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!
These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too”
But they absolutely will!!
I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.
The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness
Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?
You betcha.
Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..
Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.
When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.
Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush
The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.
Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress?
I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving
Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?
You betcha.
Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..
Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.
When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.
Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush
The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.
Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress?
I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving
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