“The best advice I got was from my neurologist, who told me to look at Parkinson’s as only one part of my life, not all of my life and not who I am.”
—ANONYMOUS, PWP
This may be a sensitive topic to talk about, but it’s an important one. People who have Parkinson’s may experience various sexual problems, such as a lower sex drive, increased (hyper) sexuality, and difficulties with arousal.
A decrease in sex drive may be caused by the decreased dopamine in Parkinson’s brains, but it is more likely a result of stress, anxiety, and depression in the aftermath of diagnosis. And many people with depression are prescribed antidepressants, which themselves often decrease libido.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who experience hypersexuality, a type of impulsive and compulsive behavior in which people find themselves preoccupied with sexual feelings and thoughts. Hypersexuality can be a side effect of dopamine agonists (and sometimes levodopa), so if it becomes an issue, a change of meds may be needed. Ask your doctor to see what your options are.
For men with PD, erectile dysfunction is common. Of course, erection problems are common in men anyway as they age, but men with PD can have even more trouble with this as the disease negatively impacts the central nervous system, circulation, and muscle function.
Though it may seem less romantic, you might need to do a little planning before being physically intimate, or possibly consider different ways of doing so.
If you or your loved one has any of these problems, you should ask your doctor for help. Some of the symptoms may be treatable.