Latest news with #MS
Medscape
8 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Sexual Health in MS Is Overlooked; Here's How to Change That
Summer — often associated with desire and lightness — can also bring renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of intimate life, especially for people with chronic illnesses. Among them, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently experience sexual dysfunction, a topic still too rarely addressed in routine care. In an interview with MediQuality , a Medscape Network platform, Arnaud Zeler, MD, French physician and sexologist, offered insights into the impact of MS on sexual health and outlines how healthcare professionals can better support their patients in this area. MS affects far more than motor or cognitive function — it also significantly impairs sexual wellbeing. Studies estimate that 40%-80% of men and 50%-70% of women with MS experience some form of sexual dysfunction. 'Because of its central neurological involvement, MS can cause a wide range of sexual dysfunctions,' said Zeler, noting that symptoms vary by sex, lesion location, and disease stage. In women, common issues include reduced vaginal lubrication, diminished clitoral and erogenous sensitivity, difficulty achieving orgasm, and frequent dyspareunia. For men, erectile dysfunction — ranging from partial to complete — is most frequently reported, along with ejaculatory problems and decreased genital sensation. 'In both sexes, hypoactive sexual desire and chronic fatigue often diminish libido and hinder sexual activity,' Zeler added. Beyond the Bedroom These dysfunctions can have profound personal and relational consequences. 'They affect sexual health, self-esteem, and intimate relationships — leading to frustration, guilt, and lower overall quality of life,' he said. International surveys, including those from the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, consistently emphasize the importance of sexual wellbeing in quality of life assessments. Yet the issue remains taboo. 'Most clinical encounters do not address sexuality — this is acknowledged by both patients and clinicians,' Zeler said. On the patient side, modesty, fear of stigma, or assumptions that sexual problems are secondary to other MS symptoms may prevent disclosure. Only 22.4% of women with MS report sexual issues to a healthcare provider. Clinicians, too, face barriers: limited time, lack of training in sexual health, personal discomfort, or uncertainty about how to broach the topic. 'Outside of specialized MS clinics, only 18.75% of physicians raise these issues. This reciprocal silence leads to underdiagnosis and inadequate management of sexual dysfunction, further complicating the patient's care journey,' Zeler warned. Practical Solutions That these challenges are often overlooked is particularly regrettable, given that effective interventions exist and targeted management is possible. 'Several therapeutic options are available,' said Zeler. 'For erectile dysfunction, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil are often effective first-line treatments.' For women experiencing vaginal dryness, water- or silicone-based lubricants are essential, and regular use of vaginal moisturizers can improve comfort and tissue health. Managing associated symptoms like spasticity and pain can further support sexual function. This may involve pharmacologic approaches — including muscle relaxants, analgesics, and neuropathic pain medications — as well as nonpharmacologic therapies like physiotherapy, physical therapy, or osteopathy. Fatigue, one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS, also requires targeted management as it significantly limits sexual activity. In parallel with medical treatment, sexological counseling is a key component of care. 'Support can include practical advice and individualized adjustments — such as modifying sexual positions to reduce discomfort, scheduling intimacy during times of lower fatigue, or exploring noncoital expressions of intimacy and pleasure like touch, massage, and erotic play,' Zeler explained. A Holistic Approach to Intimacy Addressing sexual health in MS is not ancillary — it's integral to comprehensive patient care. Zeler encourages healthcare providers to take the lead: Open the conversation, normalize the topic, and incorporate sexual wellbeing into routine evaluations. Doing so not only validates patients' experiences but may also enhance overall treatment outcomes and quality of life.
The Advertiser
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Political leaders return to parliamentary battlefield
Pomp and ceremony out of the way, federal politicians will get back to work as parliamentary business resumes. The 48th parliament officially opened with a day of pageantry, which included a traditional church service and smoking ceremony before politicians were sworn in. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will square off in parliament as rival party leaders for the first time on Wednesday. Education Minister Jason Clare will deliver on Labor's election promise by introducing legislation to the lower house to slash university debt for three million Australians by 20 per cent. The coalition is expected to support the move which will wipe $16 billion off student debt but is waiting to see the fine print. People with an average HELP debt of $27,600 will have $5520 wiped from their loans. The government has also said it will this week introduce childcare reform aimed at improving safety measures. Labor returns to parliament with a lion's share of 94 seats, to the coalition's 43 in the lower house. Melbourne MP Sarah Witty, who defeated former Greens leader Adam Bandt at the election, gave a heartfelt first speech to parliament on Tuesday evening. She tearfully spoke of enduring "heartache after heartache" for more than a decade after experiencing pregnancy loss. "We grieve deeply," she said. "I opened myself to a new path. I stepped into the world of foster care, not out of ease, but out of a deep need to turn my pain into something positive." Ms Witty said her experience taking care of children in need would shape her approach as an elected parliamentarian. Griffith MP Renee Coffey, who wrested back Kevin Rudd's old seat for Labor from the Greens, spoke of the kindness former rival Max Chandler-Mather had shown her following a confronting interaction with a voter. "On election day, I was stunned when a voter told me he couldn't possibly vote for me because I have MS and he couldn't be represented in parliament by someone who could be in a wheelchair," she said. "It knocked the wind out of me. In a strange turn of fate, it was the then-member for Griffith, Max Chandler-Mather, who saw me step away from that interaction. "And the kind words of support he offered me, I will never forget." Pomp and ceremony out of the way, federal politicians will get back to work as parliamentary business resumes. The 48th parliament officially opened with a day of pageantry, which included a traditional church service and smoking ceremony before politicians were sworn in. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will square off in parliament as rival party leaders for the first time on Wednesday. Education Minister Jason Clare will deliver on Labor's election promise by introducing legislation to the lower house to slash university debt for three million Australians by 20 per cent. The coalition is expected to support the move which will wipe $16 billion off student debt but is waiting to see the fine print. People with an average HELP debt of $27,600 will have $5520 wiped from their loans. The government has also said it will this week introduce childcare reform aimed at improving safety measures. Labor returns to parliament with a lion's share of 94 seats, to the coalition's 43 in the lower house. Melbourne MP Sarah Witty, who defeated former Greens leader Adam Bandt at the election, gave a heartfelt first speech to parliament on Tuesday evening. She tearfully spoke of enduring "heartache after heartache" for more than a decade after experiencing pregnancy loss. "We grieve deeply," she said. "I opened myself to a new path. I stepped into the world of foster care, not out of ease, but out of a deep need to turn my pain into something positive." Ms Witty said her experience taking care of children in need would shape her approach as an elected parliamentarian. Griffith MP Renee Coffey, who wrested back Kevin Rudd's old seat for Labor from the Greens, spoke of the kindness former rival Max Chandler-Mather had shown her following a confronting interaction with a voter. "On election day, I was stunned when a voter told me he couldn't possibly vote for me because I have MS and he couldn't be represented in parliament by someone who could be in a wheelchair," she said. "It knocked the wind out of me. In a strange turn of fate, it was the then-member for Griffith, Max Chandler-Mather, who saw me step away from that interaction. "And the kind words of support he offered me, I will never forget." Pomp and ceremony out of the way, federal politicians will get back to work as parliamentary business resumes. The 48th parliament officially opened with a day of pageantry, which included a traditional church service and smoking ceremony before politicians were sworn in. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will square off in parliament as rival party leaders for the first time on Wednesday. Education Minister Jason Clare will deliver on Labor's election promise by introducing legislation to the lower house to slash university debt for three million Australians by 20 per cent. The coalition is expected to support the move which will wipe $16 billion off student debt but is waiting to see the fine print. People with an average HELP debt of $27,600 will have $5520 wiped from their loans. The government has also said it will this week introduce childcare reform aimed at improving safety measures. Labor returns to parliament with a lion's share of 94 seats, to the coalition's 43 in the lower house. Melbourne MP Sarah Witty, who defeated former Greens leader Adam Bandt at the election, gave a heartfelt first speech to parliament on Tuesday evening. She tearfully spoke of enduring "heartache after heartache" for more than a decade after experiencing pregnancy loss. "We grieve deeply," she said. "I opened myself to a new path. I stepped into the world of foster care, not out of ease, but out of a deep need to turn my pain into something positive." Ms Witty said her experience taking care of children in need would shape her approach as an elected parliamentarian. Griffith MP Renee Coffey, who wrested back Kevin Rudd's old seat for Labor from the Greens, spoke of the kindness former rival Max Chandler-Mather had shown her following a confronting interaction with a voter. "On election day, I was stunned when a voter told me he couldn't possibly vote for me because I have MS and he couldn't be represented in parliament by someone who could be in a wheelchair," she said. "It knocked the wind out of me. In a strange turn of fate, it was the then-member for Griffith, Max Chandler-Mather, who saw me step away from that interaction. "And the kind words of support he offered me, I will never forget." Pomp and ceremony out of the way, federal politicians will get back to work as parliamentary business resumes. The 48th parliament officially opened with a day of pageantry, which included a traditional church service and smoking ceremony before politicians were sworn in. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will square off in parliament as rival party leaders for the first time on Wednesday. Education Minister Jason Clare will deliver on Labor's election promise by introducing legislation to the lower house to slash university debt for three million Australians by 20 per cent. The coalition is expected to support the move which will wipe $16 billion off student debt but is waiting to see the fine print. People with an average HELP debt of $27,600 will have $5520 wiped from their loans. The government has also said it will this week introduce childcare reform aimed at improving safety measures. Labor returns to parliament with a lion's share of 94 seats, to the coalition's 43 in the lower house. Melbourne MP Sarah Witty, who defeated former Greens leader Adam Bandt at the election, gave a heartfelt first speech to parliament on Tuesday evening. She tearfully spoke of enduring "heartache after heartache" for more than a decade after experiencing pregnancy loss. "We grieve deeply," she said. "I opened myself to a new path. I stepped into the world of foster care, not out of ease, but out of a deep need to turn my pain into something positive." Ms Witty said her experience taking care of children in need would shape her approach as an elected parliamentarian. Griffith MP Renee Coffey, who wrested back Kevin Rudd's old seat for Labor from the Greens, spoke of the kindness former rival Max Chandler-Mather had shown her following a confronting interaction with a voter. "On election day, I was stunned when a voter told me he couldn't possibly vote for me because I have MS and he couldn't be represented in parliament by someone who could be in a wheelchair," she said. "It knocked the wind out of me. In a strange turn of fate, it was the then-member for Griffith, Max Chandler-Mather, who saw me step away from that interaction. "And the kind words of support he offered me, I will never forget."
Canberra Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Canberra Times
Political leaders return to parliamentary battlefield
"On election day, I was stunned when a voter told me he couldn't possibly vote for me because I have MS and he couldn't be represented in parliament by someone who could be in a wheelchair," she said.
Perth Now
19 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Political leaders return to parliamentary battlefield
Pomp and ceremony out of the way, federal politicians will get back to work as parliamentary business resumes. The 48th parliament officially opened with a day of pageantry, which included a traditional church service and smoking ceremony before politicians were sworn in. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will square off in parliament as rival party leaders for the first time on Wednesday. Education Minister Jason Clare will deliver on Labor's election promise by introducing legislation to the lower house to slash university debt for three million Australians by 20 per cent. The coalition is expected to support the move which will wipe $16 billion off student debt but is waiting to see the fine print. People with an average HELP debt of $27,600 will have $5520 wiped from their loans. The government has also said it will this week introduce childcare reform aimed at improving safety measures. Labor returns to parliament with a lion's share of 94 seats, to the coalition's 43 in the lower house. Melbourne MP Sarah Witty, who defeated former Greens leader Adam Bandt at the election, gave a heartfelt first speech to parliament on Tuesday evening. She tearfully spoke of enduring "heartache after heartache" for more than a decade after experiencing pregnancy loss. "We grieve deeply," she said. "I opened myself to a new path. I stepped into the world of foster care, not out of ease, but out of a deep need to turn my pain into something positive." Ms Witty said her experience taking care of children in need would shape her approach as an elected parliamentarian. Griffith MP Renee Coffey, who wrested back Kevin Rudd's old seat for Labor from the Greens, spoke of the kindness former rival Max Chandler-Mather had shown her following a confronting interaction with a voter. "On election day, I was stunned when a voter told me he couldn't possibly vote for me because I have MS and he couldn't be represented in parliament by someone who could be in a wheelchair," she said. "It knocked the wind out of me. In a strange turn of fate, it was the then-member for Griffith, Max Chandler-Mather, who saw me step away from that interaction. "And the kind words of support he offered me, I will never forget."
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Child raped in hospital lift, officials in denial
Following the horrifying incident of a child sexually assaulted in a lift at Sindh's second-largest government hospital, the hospital administration appears more focused on suppressing details than taking strict action against those responsible and implementing measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. This lack of transparency deepens the seriousness of the matter. According to The Express Tribune, the incident occurred on July 7 at Civil Hospital Karachi. A lift operator allegedly lured a young boy attending to his ailing mother with a promise of Rs100 and took him to the third floor of the hospital's operation theatre complex, where the assault occurred. The traumatised child later confided in his father, who confronted and physically attacked the accused, even attempting to set him on fire. Police arrested the lift operator. The case raises serious questions about the hospital's security and CCTV surveillance system functionality. Why was the lift stationary on the third floor for an extended period without attracting attention? Why was not the incident detected on surveillance footage? Is the hospital failing to provide basic protection to vulnerable patients and attendants? Despite the gravity of the incident, the hospital administration displays alarming indifference. Medical Superintendent Dr Khalid Bukhari refused to comment, stating the matter falls under police jurisdiction. When asked about CCTV coverage, he replied dismissively, "There are too many lifts; how many cameras can we install?" This reflects the hospital administration's negligence and lack of seriousness. Officials have begun deflecting blame, with the MS pointing to OT complex in-charge Dr Bilal, who shifted responsibility back to the MS. Both have refused further comment. The Express Tribune team was also denied access to the lift where the assault occurred. There is an urgent need to strengthen monitoring and security systems in hospitals and ensure a thorough, transparent investigation into this case.
