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Dating has its challenges in the best of scenarios. When you have a disability, especially one that may not be visible, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), it may feel like the scales tip in favor of the challenges. Dating can and should be a fun and fulfilling experience. <\/span><\/p>\n With the ten tips discussed in this article, you’ll be able to navigate dating someone with multiple sclerosis more easily and confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n MS<\/span><\/a> is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). <\/span><\/p>\n Specifically, MS affects the fatty, insulating tissue around nerve cells called myelin. Damage to these myelin sheaths results in MS plaques (like scar tissue) developing and key electrical signals between the brain and body getting interrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n Depending on where in the CNS demyelination occurs, MS can physically and mentally impact a person. In some instances, MS can lead to serious limitations and disabilities that drastically impair one’s day-to-day life — including their dating or love life.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are dating someone with multiple sclerosis, you should know a few dos and don’ts of dating to help you and your partner <\/span>enrich the relationship<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n 5 dos of dating someone with multiple sclerosis<\/b><\/p>\n Here are some things you should do regarding MS and relationships or exploring dating with multiple sclerosis.<\/span><\/p>\n Allow your partner the space to let you know that they have MS whenever they feel comfortable sharing that information. Don’t hold it against them if they take time to be open with you. <\/span><\/p>\n That time is different for everyone, and it depends on several factors. Some people will immediately want to tell someone they’re dating about their MS. Some may prefer not to <\/span>disclose their MS<\/span><\/a> to a new partner until the relationship is serious, if at all.<\/span><\/p>\n Women and men with MS can be <\/span>successful parents<\/span><\/a> of happy, healthy children. The disease process and treatments to manage MS may pose challenges for some people.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you want or can have biological children may be important to you and the person you’re dating, so it can help prepare you with the right information. <\/span><\/p>\n Discuss conception, pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding with your MS treatment team to ensure the safest experience for you and the baby.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the dos of MS and dating is to know that the disability does not mean you cannot have a family, even as it affects your family planning. MS should not get in the way of being successful parents of healthy children.<\/span><\/p>\n The question, “<\/span>Is MS hereditary<\/span><\/a>?” is often asked when considering having children if you or your partner have MS. While MS is not hereditary, there is a genetic component to the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n A person’s risk of developing MS increases when you have a close family member with MS. This genetic component does not necessarily mean you can no longer have a biological child.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the dos of multiple sclerosis dating is to be well aware of the way MS affects you.<\/span><\/p>\n According to <\/span>Grady Shumway<\/span><\/a>, LMHC<\/span><\/p>\n Understanding your own symptoms and limits helps you communicate more clearly and confidently with a partner. This <\/span>self awareness<\/span> creates space for support, honesty, and a healthier dating experience overall.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n MS is a complex and unpredictable disease that affects everyone differently. It would help if you learned as much about MS and how it impacts you specifically. Only then will you be able to explain it to your partner in the best way.<\/span><\/p>\n Dating someone with multiple sclerosis, dealing with the myriad symptoms of MS, and specifically, MS’s impacts on your personality can take an emotional toll.<\/span><\/p>\n Depression, anxiety, and irritability are very common in those living with MS. Its emotional impacts may also include loss of self-esteem, anger, grief, and stress. This can get in the way of a <\/span>healthy relationship<\/span><\/a> and sex life. <\/span><\/p>\n Counseling or therapy — for you and your partner — can help address the physiological and psychological issues you’re going through.<\/span><\/p>\n Five don’ts of dating with MS<\/b><\/p>\n Here are 5 don’ts of MS relationships or dating someone with multiple sclerosis that you should know about.<\/span><\/p>\n When dating someone with multiple sclerosis, remember that any physical and emotional effects may contribute to a decrease in <\/span>sexual desire<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Women may experience reduced sensation in the vaginal area and the clitoris. They may also experience heightened sensations that can be painful. Vaginal dryness is another side effect of MS experienced by women that can get in the way of their sex life.<\/span><\/p>\n You can look into <\/span>relationship counseling<\/span><\/a> to help you understand the relationship between MS and sex. <\/span><\/p>\n Instead of leaving space for assumptions and conflict, communicate your needs when living with someone with MS. <\/span><\/p>\n Whether or not they’ve disclosed that they have MS, allow them the space to be clear with you about what their needs are. <\/span><\/p>\n Let them speak up about how they feel and what they need. This understanding gives you the information and insight to have a chance to show support in the way that they need it.<\/span><\/p>\n To learn more about assumptions that could be <\/span>ruining your relationship<\/span><\/a>, watch this video:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>10 dos and don’ts of dating with multiple sclerosis<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Let them tell you when they are ready<\/b><\/h3>\n
2. Learn about MS and fertility<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Learn about how MS may affect your family planning<\/b><\/h3>\n
4. Learn extensively about how MS affects you specifically<\/b><\/h3>\n
5. Understand the emotional impact MS can have on your dating life<\/b><\/h3>\n
6. Don’t be alarmed if you experience changes in your libido<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n7. Don’t leave room for assumptions<\/b><\/h3>\n