ED in MS: Understanding Erectile Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

When you have multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that disrupts nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord. Also known as MS, it doesn’t just cause fatigue or muscle weakness—it can quietly affect your sexual health, especially erectile dysfunction, which happens in up to 80% of men with the disease. This isn’t about aging or laziness. It’s about damaged nerves, medication side effects, depression, or even just fear of failure. The good news? ED in MS is one of the most treatable symptoms, even if it’s often ignored.

Why does this happen? Your body needs clear nerve signals to get and keep an erection. MS messes with those signals, especially in the lower spine and pelvic nerves. Some drugs used to manage MS—like antispasmodics or antidepressants—can make it worse. But so can things you might not think of: low testosterone, poor blood flow, or even anxiety about intimacy after years of dealing with mobility issues. ED treatment, including oral medications like sildenafil or injectable therapies. Also known as erectile dysfunction medication, it works just as well for men with MS as it does for others, if the root cause is addressed. A 2023 study in the Journal of Neurology found that men with MS who took sildenafil reported better sexual satisfaction than those who didn’t—no matter how advanced their MS was.

It’s not just about pills. Physical therapy for pelvic floor muscles, vacuum erection devices, and even counseling to rebuild confidence can make a big difference. Many men with MS don’t bring this up with their neurologist because they think it’s "just part of the disease." But your doctor should be asking you about it. Sexual health is part of your overall care. If you’re on a new medication, check if it could be causing ED. If you’re feeling down, treat the depression—it often fixes the erection problem too.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on ED drugs like Eriacta, how they compare to others, and what works best when nerves are damaged. You’ll also see how other conditions like low testosterone or chronic pain can overlap with MS and make ED worse. No fluff. No judgment. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there.