Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult. Not everyone with MS has these issues, but more than 6,800 members of MyMSTeam report experiencing sexual problems as a symptom. These changes can sometimes make people feel less interested in sex or make it more difficult to be physically intimate. You might have a lower libido (sex drive) or experience forms of sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction. Pain, depression, and fatigue can also knock desire for a loop.

However, in rare cases, some people with MS notice an increase in their sex drive. “Does anyone out there experience hypersexual feelings and sensations?” asked a member of MyMSTeam. “The raging inferno engulfs me lately, and some days I’m not staying on track with my routine or obligations because of it.”

For some, this drive might lead to making risky choices or hurting people close to them with their sexual activity. MS may lead to hypersexuality in some people, and we’ll talk about how.

What Is Hypersexuality?

Hypersexuality, also known as compulsive sexual behavior or sexual addiction. It goes beyond having a strong, healthy sex drive. It involves an excessive focus on sexual behaviors, urges, or fantasies that interfere with daily life and relationships. When sexual thoughts and desires become uncontrollable, disrupt other aspects of life, or pose a danger to oneself or others, they are considered signs of hypersexuality.

Symptoms of Hypersexuality

Because many behaviors are the same for healthy sexuality and hypersexuality, it’s important to understand the symptoms of unhealthy sexual behavior. They include:

• Acting sexually in ways that leave you feeling regret or guilt afterward
• Using sexual behavior to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Struggling to control your sexual behavior, even when you try
• Spending so much time on sexual fantasies or behaviors that they interfere with other parts of your life
• Having difficulty forming stable, healthy relationships in your daily life
• Continuing sexual behaviors even when they are dangerous to yourself or others
• Experiencing recurrent and intense sexual urges or behaviors
• Repeating sexual behaviors to the detriment of important activities or responsibilities
• Ignoring the risk of physical or emotional harm to yourself or others

Risk Factors for Hypersexuality

Some situations can create a higher risk of developing hypersexuality. Some of the factors that increase your risk are:

• Conflicts with family that can’t be resolved
• Family members who have an addiction
• A mental health diagnosis, such as depression or anxiety
• A gambling addiction
• Previous sexual or physical abuse
• A drug and/or alcohol problem

Hypersexuality and MS

The MyMSTeam member who reported having hypersexual feelings went on to ask, “Does it seem like it correlates with a flare-up? I’m going for an MRI at the end of the month. I suppose it will be telling.”

Another member responded, “I get hypersexual sensations at random, and they have nothing to do with what I’m doing. I thought it was just me. It’s super weird!”

Some evidence suggests a potential link between hypersexuality and MS, but more research is needed to confirm this. If a connection exists, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Currently, there isn’t enough data to draw definitive conclusions.

Older studies have shown that people with MS who have lesions (scarring) in certain areas of their brain may be more prone to hypersexual behavior. However, these findings haven’t been confirmed or explored in depth by further research.

There are also no studies on how common hypersexuality is in people with MS. While it’s more prevalent in those with other neurological (nervous system) disorders, like Parkinson’s disease, this doesn’t prove it’s more common in MS.

Researchers also don’t know how MS-related brain lesions might affect sexual behavior. They speculate that lesions disrupt neurons, potentially leading to compulsive sexual behavior.

Hypersexuality and MS Medications

Some medications used to treat MS or MS symptoms may also contribute to the development of hypersexuality.

Although it may not help people with MS, modafinil (Provigil) is sometimes given to try to improve feelings of fatigue. This drug may be associated with hypersexuality, although only a few cases have been studied. There’s not enough data yet to know if this is a rare side effect or if the hypersexuality in these cases might have been caused by something else.

Other medications can cause the side effect of hypersexuality in some people. None of these drugs are approved to treat MS directly, but some are given to help people manage MS symptoms. For instance, stimulants like amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are sometimes given to help with fatigue. If you’re experiencing hypersexuality as a new symptom, you can talk with your doctor about whether it might be caused by any medication you’re taking.

One MyMSTeam member noted a higher libido from a corticosteroid (steroid) medication. “Solu-Medrol used to make me eat and eat, and I would become hornier than normal,” they said.

Other Causes of Hypersexuality

Hypersexuality may also be caused by factors other than MS. Although researchers don’t know exactly what causes it, it may be connected to:

• Brain chemicals that have become unbalanced
• Changes in the brain’s pathways that occur when actions are repeated over time

You and your doctor can work through what might be causing hypersexuality, and then determine a treatment plan based on what you find out.

When To Seek Treatment for Hypersexuality

If you feel like you’re out of control when it comes to your sexual behavior, talk to your neurology team right away. Similarly, talk to a doctor if you think you might hurt yourself or someone else with your sexual behavior.

Other concerns about your sexual behavior that can mean it’s time to get professional help include:

• Feeling stressed or upset about how you behave sexually
• Hiding your sex life or sexual behavior
• Having sexual behavior that interferes with work, causes you to get arrested, or causes other serious problems in your life.

Treating Hypersexuality

There is no one way to treat hypersexuality. If you and your doctor suspect it’s caused by a medication, you can discuss whether to stop it or change to a new one. You should always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment regimen for MS or other health conditions.

Other options for treating hypersexuality include:

• Taking medication to help control sexual impulses
• Joining a support group
• Working with a therapist

You and your health care provider can decide which options are best for you.

Talking to Your Doctor About Hypersexuality

Talking with a doctor about hypersexuality can be difficult. Some people feel ashamed or embarrassed about the way they feel or act when dealing with hypersexuality. However, you deserve respect, and you should be able to talk to your health care team and get helpful medical advice no matter what issues you’re experiencing.

If your doctor teases you, makes you feel ashamed, or belittles you when you try to get help for hypersexuality, it’s time to find a new doctor. You should be able to get the care you need to be safe and healthy. If you can’t trust them to understand and respect you, you need to find a different health care provider who will offer better medical advice and help improve your quality of life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMSTeam, the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones, more than 215,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Do you have an increase in sex drive due to multiple sclerosis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.