Our nervous are surrounded by a myelin sheath that helps in proper condition of nerve stimulation. Multiple sclerosis is the disease in which this myelin sheath gets destroyed leading to poor control over the body. The disease is progressive, and severity increases with time. It impacts fertility in the male.
Can A Man With Multiple Sclerosis Have A Baby?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition and affects various organs simultaneously. The condition significantly affects the neurological system of the body. This same system plays a crucial role in sexual and reproductive functioning. Neurological integrity is required for proper fertility. It has been seen that patients suffering from multiple sclerosis have poor section and ejaculation leading to male infertility. The exact reason for this has not been known, but research indicates that people with multiple sclerosis are relatively more infertile as compared to the people of similar age category. The quality of the sperm of the patients suffering from the condition is found to be inferior as compared to healthy patients. The risk of developing neurogenic anejaculation is significantly increased due to multiple sclerosis. In this condition, the ejaculatory reflex arc gets abnormal due to the effect of multiple sclerosis on the nervous system leading to anejaculation.
It has been estimated that almost 73% of the MS patients suffered from erectile dysfunction while 50% of patients have poor ejaculation. 40% of the patients found to have reduced libido. These patients have a low sperm count, variable sperm morphology and reduced sperm motility which adds up to cause infertility. Although the cause is not known as the major contributor to infertility is the presence of chronic inflammation, which is the primary presentation of multiple sclerosis. Also, there is reduced secretion of sex hormones which are also regulated through the nervous system. As the disease progresses, infertility also progresses. The impact on the nervous system and the site of the presence of plaque in the nervous system decide the severity of infertility. (1)
Effects Of Multiple Sclerosis On Organs
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease present by severe inflammation in the nervous system. As the nervous system controls every part of the human body, the impact of this disease is overwhelming, and severity is measured in terms of the extent and scope of damage in the nervous system. Generally following organs are most commonly affected by multiple sclerosis.
- Brain. Brain is the most common organ affected and the symptoms present are vertigo, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, confusion, and memory loss. Emotional health is compromised, and the patient may lose control over anger and frustration.
- Respiratory System. Spinal cord is also affected by multiple sclerosis. This led to poor nervous control over breathing. Muscular weakness also causes difficulty breathing.
- Digestive System. Coughing or choking are the serious complications that may occur while swallowing food. This is due to reduced control over these functions.
- Sensory Organs. Optic nerve is commonly affected due to this condition. This leads to poor vision, eye pain, and double vision.
- Vocal Cords. The common symptoms associated with vocal cords are slurring and hoarseness in the voice. The patient is not able to control the pitch of the voice.
- Immune System. Immune system is weak in patients with multiple sclerosis. It increases the chances of infection.
- Peripheral Nervous System. Poor balancing and sensation of needle pricks are common in these patients.
- Urinary System. Poor bladder control is often seen in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- Skeletal System. Due to poor physical activity and reduced nutrition cause bones to get weak.
- Reproductive System. Patient suffering from multiple sclerosis may suffer infertility.
- Muscular System. Muscular system becomes weak due to damage of the nerves that are innervating in the muscles.
Conclusion
Male infertility may be caused due to multiple sclerosis. Patient with this condition has problems with erection and ejaculation. Further, the quality of semen is significantly reduced.
References.
Also Read:
- Special Diets For Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Alcohol and Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: Is there a Link?
- Remedies to Combat Constipation In Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- What Kind Of Pain Does Multiple Sclerosis Cause?
- What Happens To A Person With Multiple Sclerosis?
- Can Multiple Sclerosis Be Cured?
- Is Multiple Sclerosis A Mental Illness?
