What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis, the connection between the brain and the rest of the body is disrupted, causing a wide range of symptoms. Studies show that approximately 2.8 million people worldwide are living with multiple sclerosis. In general, women are twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as men, but the female-to-male ratio is 4 to 1 in some countries. Research suggests that men with multiple sclerosis may be at greater risk of hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not synthesize enough testosterone), which may be associated with the progression of the disease. What are the causes of multiple sclerosis in men? It is not clear what exactly causes multiple sclerosis to occur. We know that in the condition, an abnormal immune response of the immune system attacks the myelin (a substance that surrounds nerve fibers) in the central nervous system. What triggers this process is not fully established. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), a combination of risk factors may contribute to the development of the disease, such as: Geographical location and vitamin D. Multiple sclerosis occurs more often in areas that are farther from the equator. Research shows that more sun exposure is associated with a lower risk of developing the disease. With less sun exposure, people living farther from the equator also get less vitamin D, which is thought to support the immune system; Smoking. Smoking is associated with a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis, as well as with greater severity and progression of the disease; Obesity. Studies have shown that obesity in childhood or adolescence may be associated with the onset of multiple sclerosis; Infection. Scientists continue to study the potential role of various bacteria and viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in the development of multiple sclerosis; Genetic predisposition. Multiple sclerosis is not an inherited disease. However, there is a possibility that some genes predispose to the development of the disease. In fact, scientists have identified more than 230 genes that may contribute to the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also cautions that some theories about suspected causes of multiple sclerosis remain unproven. These include: Allergy to environmental factors; Exposure to pets; Exposure to heavy metals such as mercury, lead or manganese; Organic Solvents Bibliography: 1. Healthline. Multiple Sclerosis in Men 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Tafti D, et al. (2021). Multiple sclerosis 3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Cotsapas C, et al. (2018).Genome-wide association studies of multiple sclerosis 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Gianfrancesco MA, et al. (2016). Obesity and multiple sclerosis susceptibility: A review 5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Eccles A. (2019). Delayed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in males: May account for and dispel common understandings of different MS ‘types’