People with Parkinson’s and their partners have to cope with multi-faceted
challenges regarding their sex, sensuality and intimacy. Sexual difficulties
can be associated with anatomical, physiological, biological, medical and
psychological factors, all of which can impact on self-esteem, quality of life,
mood and relationships. Sensual perception and intimate communication may be
affected by the physical and emotional changes Parkinson’s can bring, resulting
in a less active and enjoyable sex life.
Each person is affected differently and sexual difficulties may alter over
time, but the most frequent are:
- decreased sexual desire
- increased sexual desire
(hypersexuality)
- arousal problems
- orgasmic problems
- sexual dissatisfaction
- role changes in sexual
activity
- limitations or inabilities
in intimate touch
- limited choice of sexual
positions
- difficulties in sexual
communication.
It is not unusual for sexual desire in all women, with or without
Parkinson’s, to fluctuate due to changes in contraception, the time of the
monthly cycle, medication, childbirth or menopause. But those with Parkinson’s
may also experience reduced lubrication, painful intercourse or difficulties in
achieving orgasm. Difficulties for men include problems reaching orgasm, as
well as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Any one of these
conditions can place an additional strain on couples and can result in marital
tension and relationship issues, but with the right help these problems can be
resolved or alleviated.
Over time sexual disturbances may be heightened by
falling dopamine levels and by some anti-Parkinsonian medications. Medications
such as dopamine agonists may alter desire and some medications may induce
autonomic disturbances such as erectile dysfunction, mood and libido changes.
If you sense an undesired effect of these medications (e.g. hypersexuality),
you should talk with your doctor so that the dosage or the type of medication
can be altered.
