Sexual problems and Parkinson's
Parkinson's does not affect
everybody's sexual functioning, but it can affect mood, self-image
and sexual self-esteem.
There are ways of coping with and adapting to sexual problems, whether or not they are due to Parkinson's.
Paula Hall, relationship psychotherapist
For some, after diagnosis, being sexual may no longer be as
important as it once was, while for others it takes on extra
importance.
Some of the common sexual complaints people with Parkinson's
have are explained below.
Low sex drive
A lower sex drive is often more to do with the psychological and
emotional impact of diagnosis than a direct result of
Parkinson's.
If sex becomes less spontaneous, a little planning and
preparation, or even looking at different kinds of intimacy, may
help revive the spark.
A mutual understanding that your goal is to get close reduces
the feeling of pressure.
Investing energy into creating the right environment means it's
more likely to be a natural outcome.
Read more on relationships and and sexuality in our Intimate relationships and Parkinson's
booklet.
Hypersexuality
It is widely believed that there is a connection between some
Parkinson's drugs, called dopamine
agonists, and an increase in forms of impulsive and compulsive
behaviour such as hypersexuality. It can also affect people taking
other Parkinson's drugs, in particular levodopa.
People with hypersexuality will find themselves preoccupied with
sexual feelings and thoughts.
Some couples may enjoy extra sex. But for others it may become a
difficult and distressing problem, particularly if the sexual
desires feel out of control and are out of character.
This may also be accompanied by sexual delusions and
hallucinations, such as imagining that a partner is having an
affair.
Sometimes a change in medication can ease or eliminate the
problem significantly.
If you are experiencing problems, the first thing to do is to
talk to your GP, Parkinson's specialist or Parkinson's nurse.
Read more in our Impulsive and
compulsive behaviour in Parkinson's information sheet.
Arousal problems
Both men and women can struggle with sexual arousal. This may be
a side effect of Parkinson's medication or Parkinson's itself.
Tiredness, stress,
depression and low self-esteem can all contribute to the problem.
Whatever the cause, the most important thing to do to overcome
these difficulties is to learn to relax.
The massage, meditation and other relaxation techniques you'll
find in our Complementary therapies and
Parkinson's booklet may help.
Sexual arousal problems are often easier for women to cope with
than men. When a man is struggling to get aroused, the consequence
is much more obvious.
Erection problems are commonplace, especially as men age. Some
may have difficulties getting an erection at all, while others get
an erection but then lose it.
Our Intimate relationships and
Parkinson's booklet looks at some treatments for men with
erectile dysfunction, as well as therapy and counselling
options.
Also in this section
Looking after someone with Parkinson's
If you're caring for someone with Parkinson's our carers' pages offers help and information.
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