MS is much more common in women than in men. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, women are three times more likely to develop the disease. And some studies suggest that the gap is even wider.

MS can affect women and men in different ways. Take a moment to learn about some of the key differences.

Language matters

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. We use “women” and “men” in this article to reflect the terms assigned at birth. However, gender is solely about how you identify yourself, independent of your physical body.

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Although women are more likely to develop MS, the condition tends to progress more quickly and become more severe in men.

According to a summary of research published in 2015, women with MS tend to experience slower cognitive decline than men. Women also have higher survival rates.

Similarly, a 2023 research review concluded that cognitive decline generally progresses more quickly in men than in women.

MS can negatively affect quality of life in both women and men, but some research suggests that women with MS tend to report higher health-related quality of life than men. This may indicate that women have an advantage when it comes to mentally and emotionally adjusting to the condition.

However, in a small 2022 study involving 100 people with MS, researchers found no significant differences between men and women in terms of physical or mental health-related quality of life.

Because MS affects people physically, psychologically, and socially, it can also influence a person’s sex life. It’s common for both men and women with the condition to report challenges related to sex. But there are some slight differences.

According to a 2021 review, 50–90% of men with MS experience sexual dysfunction, while 40–80% of women with MS report similar issues. Men with MS commonly report lack of sexual interest, decreased orgasm, and difficulties with ejaculation. In contrast, women may experience decreased vaginal lubrication and other issues related to sexual function.

To reduce the risk of disability and promote quality of life, it’s important for people with MS to practice good self-management. That means taking medications as prescribed, developing self-care strategies, maintaining strong social support networks, and taking a proactive approach to learning about and managing the condition.

Some research suggests that there might be differences in how men and women self-manage MS. For example, a 2016 study found that women had significantly higher self-management scores than men. On the other hand, a 2017 study found that women were less likely than men to follow their prescribed treatment plans.

Pregnancy can have noticeable effects on MS. Women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are less likely to experience relapse. After they give birth, their risk for relapse rises significantly.

According to a 2023 review, women with MS show a significantly increased relapse rate in the first 6 months after giving birth in comparison to the rate before pregnancy. However, at 10–12 months postpartum, this relapse rate decreases significantly.

If a woman experiences a relapse during pregnancy, it can be challenging to manage. Many medications used to treat symptoms of MS aren’t considered safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Likewise, none of the disease-modifying therapies used to slow the progression of the disease are approved for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy can potentially worsen certain symptoms of MS. For example, if a woman has balance problems, they might get worse as she gains weight in pregnancy. If she has difficulty controlling her bladder or bowels, the pressure of pregnancy might increase her risk for incontinence. Fatigue can also increase during pregnancy.

Women with MS are more likely than women without the condition to develop depression or other mood disorders. In turn, women with a history of mood disorders are more likely to experience postpartum depression after giving birth.

Below are some commonly asked questions about MS and how it affects women.

What are the symptoms of MS in a woman?

Men and women with MS tend to experience similar symptoms, such as:

  • fatigue
  • vision problems
  • numbness and tingling
  • muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness
  • mobility problems
  • pain
  • problems with thinking, learning, and planning
  • depression and anxiety

However, some symptoms are specific to women — and fluctuating hormone levels during menstruation, after pregnancy, and after menopause can affect MS symptoms.

For instance, a woman with MS may experience sexual issues such as difficulty reaching orgasm and decreased vaginal lubrication and sensation.

Learn more about common symptoms of MS in women.

How long does MS take to disable you?

For some people with MS, the disease causes gradual worsening of symptoms, leading to disability over time. But a small number of people may not ever develop symptoms that substantially interfere with daily life.

Most people with MS will have short periods of symptoms followed by long stretches of partial or full recovery (remission).

Do you ever feel normal with MS?

Each person’s perception of “normal” is different. But it’s possible that you might have periods of remission, during which your symptoms go away or decrease and you feel more like yourself.

What is the average age of diagnosis for a woman with multiple sclerosis?

MS can develop at any age in both men and women. However, it is most commonly diagnosed when a person is in their 20s, 30s, or 40s.

On average, MS has slightly different effects on the health and well-being of women and men. To learn how your sex might affect your condition, talk with a doctor. Ask them how you can develop good self-management strategies and reduce your risk for complications from the condition.