Sex and Parkinson's

This page has information on how Parkinson's can affect your sex life, both physically and emotionally.

Whether you have Parkinson’s or care for someone who does, the condition can affect your sex life, both physically and emotionally.

Talking about sex and Parkinson's

Sexual problems can affect many people with Parkinson’s, as well as their partners. This can be due to the physical effects of the condition on things such as coordination and speed of movement, or emotional issues like low mood or depression. 

Parkinson’s doesn’t affect everybody’s sexual functioning. While some couples experience problems, a significant number don’t. It’s important to realise that you can overcome sexual problems, or find other forms of intimacy. 

Parkinson’s can affect your sexual self-esteem, making you feel less attractive or desirable. If you’re a carer, you may worry you’re being demanding by wanting to have sex with your partner. Having new roles as carer and cared-for may sometimes make it hard to feel like equal sexual partners. These factors, as well as the impact of the condition and medication on the body, can affect sexual function.

These problems may resolve themselves, or a couple may have to: 

  • adjust what they do together to take account of changing physical abilities 

  • redefine their expectations.

It may be easier to face the challenges Parkinson’s can bring if you are both comfortable talking about your desires and limitations. It may feel awkward, but it’s worth trying – the increased openness and creativity may make it better than before. 

Parkinson’s can make both speaking and non-verbal communication more difficult, so you may have to be more deliberate when discussing what you enjoy.

Parkinson’s symptoms and sex

Causes of sexual problems can include movement problems, fatigue and depression. These are common in people with and without Parkinson’s. 

It may not be easy to tell whether a problem is a result of your condition, but they are more common for people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s. 

It’s not clear how sex might affect your Parkinson’s symptoms. But generally stress makes motor symptoms worse, and relaxation makes them better, so it might depend on how you feel about the sexual activity.

Movement problems 

The physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, like stiffness, rigid muscles and slowness of movement, may affect sexual activity. Making sure your Parkinson’s medication is working effectively may help improve these symptoms.

Speak to your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse. They may also be able to give you advice on sexual positions. 

Fatigue 

Fatigue can be a symptom of Parkinson’s. If it is an issue, try being intimate at a different time of the day when you have more energy. 

Bowel and bladder problems 

Fear of incontinence may make you or your partner nervous about sexual activity. 

Read our information on bladder and bowel problems and Parkinson’s. 

Medications 

Any medications you’re taking should be reviewed for side effects that may affect sex. Some drugs for depression can cause a reduction in sexual desire, problems with arousal and delayed, or lack of, orgasms.

It’s best to speak to your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse about your options so you can continue to get the most benefit from your medication. 

Hypersexuality

Some people who take dopamine agonist medication for their Parkinson’s experience impulse control behaviour. For a small number of people, levodopa or other types of Parkinson’s medications can have similar side effects. 

Hypersexuality is a type of impulsive behaviour, where someone is focused on sexual feelings and thoughts. Sexual impulses become more intense, and might be felt at inappropriate times or towards people other than a partner. There’s also a risk that someone will behave in a way that’s socially unacceptable, or may even break the law.

This type of behaviour can have a big impact on the person affected and the people around them. They may also have sexual delusions and hallucinations, such as imagining that a partner is having an affair. 

If this side effect is mild, then some couples may find they enjoy the 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. 

If you think you’re experiencing this behaviour, the first step is to talk to your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse. You may find it uncomfortable to talk to a health professional about the difficulties you’re having. But remember, they’ll have spoken to others with similar problems before and everything you tell them will be confidential. 

Sometimes people who experience impulse control behaviour may not realise they have a problem. If you notice your partner’s sex drive has increased or their sexual behaviour has changed towards you or anyone else, it’s important to discuss it with a healthcare professional as quickly as possible.

Impulsive behaviour can usually be controlled. In most cases a change in medication can ease or remove the problem. Some people may need to seek more professional support, for example from a psychosexual therapist.

Read our information on impulse control behaviour in Parkinson’s.

Lowered sex drive

Many people with Parkinson’s and their partners have a lowered sex drive. This is often caused by the psychological and emotional impact of diagnosis. General tiredness and depression, which are common for someone with Parkinson’s, can also lower desire. 

Your GP or specialist will look to treat any depression or mood disorders you may experience. There are many different things you can try to get in the mood for intimacy or sex. 

You should do whatever suits you as a couple, but you could try the following: 

  • Take time to relax in the bath. 

  • Have a sensual massage by candlelight. 

  • Do something more energetic or playful together to get you in the mood. 

  • Revive the spark by investing in new lingerie or sex toys, watch an arousing video or read erotic stories to each other. 

Whatever you do, agree beforehand that your goal is to get close and enjoy time together. The result may be sex, but it may not. Take the pressure off by investing your energy into creating the right environment. Then the outcome will happen more naturally. 

Problems with sexual arousal

Both men and women can struggle with becoming aroused sexually. You may experience this as a side effect of Parkinson’s medication or of the condition itself, or because of tiredness, stress, depression or low self-esteem.

The most important way to overcome this is to try to relax. Before seeking treatment, try to rule out any emotional causes, such as stress, or tensions in your relationship.

You may benefit from:

  • changes in routine, such as having sex in the morning when you’ve got more energy

  • an increase in stimulation, such as using a vibrator 

  • taking plenty of time to set the scene and get the mood right. 

The more you can do to be sensual together, the better the chances of arousal happening naturally. Relationship counselling or psychotherapy may be useful if you’re experiencing a lack of sexual interest or desire. 

Feeling aroused can be difficult if you are in pain, unable to be still, or you feel shame. A psychologist can help you work with your emotions and come to a point of desire.

Orgasm problems

Both men and women may experience reduced or absent orgasms. Some men may experience problems with premature or delayed ejaculation.

Psychosexual therapy can also help, but you will probably have to arrange an appointment for yourself. Visit the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website to find a psychologist.

These can help individuals or couples find better ways to communicate sexually. If you have problems reaching orgasm the following things might help: 

  • Try to minimise any anxiety. If you worry about orgasm, it’s more likely to happen too quickly or not happen at all. 
  • Spend more time on general arousal and excitement. 
  • Agree that it won’t matter if one of you doesn’t orgasm, you’ll enjoy the time together. 

Understand what you enjoy

Masturbation can help you understand what you find enjoyable. Give yourself enough time to explore what you find pleasurable without being disturbed. Feeling ashamed or embarrassed about what you’re doing won’t help you achieve orgasm, so try to relax into the sensations you experience. 

Get to know each other

Take time to really get to know each other’s bodies. Ask about the kind of stimulation your partner likes. Try to fine-tune your technique so you’re always giving the best experience. When you approach sex in a more relaxed and exploratory way, orgasm may follow more naturally. 

Pelvic floor exercises

For some women, pelvic floor exercises may help increase awareness of pelvic floor contractions and improve pelvic tone, which can help with orgasms. These exercises can be tricky, but a physiotherapist, nurse or GP will be able to explain how to do them properly. 

Read our information about women and Parkinson's.

Ask for help 

If problems persist, then speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse. A change in medication could help. 

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Thank you

Thank you very much to everyone who contributed to or reviewed this information:

  • Debbie Keenan, BACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist 

  • Dr Jennifer Foley, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

  • Rose Ryan, Intimacy Coordinator for film and TV and Parky Partner.

Last updated

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