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The Better Model-Based Counseling on Sexual Activity Among Women With Multiple Sclerosis Publisher



Ghafoori F1 ; Dehghannayeri N2
Authors

Source: Payesh Published:2025


Abstract

Objective (s): Multiple sclerosis (MS) can have negative effects via several pathways on sexual activity. The growing trend of the disease in Iran and high prevalence in women (sex ratio: 2.3) intensifies the importance of this issue. It seems that women in the reproductive age (20 to 40 years old) who are sexually active can be the most vulnerable patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of BETTER model-based couples counseling (Bring-up, Explain, Tell-resources, Time, Educate, Record) on six domains of sexual activity (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain) in women with MS. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 72 married women recruited from Iranian MS Association. The intervention was the use of couple counseling based on the BETTER model during four sessions (each week). Six domains of sexual activity were measured using the Women Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at before, 2 and 3 months after the intervention. The control group received nothing. Results: The score of each domains of sexual activity were compared between the intervention and control groups and no significant difference was observed before the intervention. After the intervention, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in the all domains of sexual activity except for sexual pain domain (p=0.2). However, in the intervention group, there was a significant difference compared to before the intervention with 2 months and before with 3 months after the intervention. Conclusion: The BETTER model-based sexual counseling can help improve the desire, arousal, moisture, orgasm and sexual satisfaction in women with MS. Perhaps comprehensive interventions are needed to further improve the domain of sexual pain in this population. © 2025, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research. All rights reserved.
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