Which symptom of MS is indicated by urinary retention or sexual dysfunction?

The symptom indicated by urinary retention or sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is categorized as autonomic dysfunction. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and the functions of the urinary and reproductive systems. In MS, the demyelination of nerve fibers can disrupt normal signals between the nervous system and these organs, leading to issues like urinary retention or sexual dysfunction.

Urinary retention occurs when the bladder cannot fully empty, which is often due to a lack of communication between the bladder and the nervous system. Similarly, sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction in men or reduced lubrication in women, can occur for the same reasons, including disrupted nerve pathways that control arousal and response.

In contrast, motor dysfunction typically relates to problems with movement and coordination, cognitive dysfunction involves issues with memory and processing, and neuropathic pain refers to pain that arises from nerve damage or dysfunction. None of these categories directly encompass the specific symptoms of urinary retention or sexual dysfunction, which clearly fall under the effects of autonomic dysfunction in the context of MS.