Sexuality is an important part of every person’s physical and mental health. When a healthy adult is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, many aspects of his or her physical and mental well-being are often disturbed – including his or her sexuality.
Because sexuality plays a significant role in a person's healthy lifestyle, worries often surface for the patient when his or her sexual desires and needs change. With the onset of Parkinson’s disease, the development of sexual problems may be frustrating. However, the patient with Parkinson’s disease may be able to restore sexuality, or to improve problems that may develop. A doctor can help the patient decide on the best course of action to solve the problem and can suggest medications to help alleviate some of the symptoms that may develop.
What is causing this sexual problem?
A lowered sexual drive or desire following the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease may be more of a side effect caused by depression than by the disease itself. Many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease are thought to be caused by lowered levels of dopamine in the brain — a chemical that transmits messages from the brain’s "relay center" to its nerve cells, enabling physical movement. The dopamine decrease may also cause a lessened drive or interest in sex.
What are other symptoms associated with loss of sexual drive?
Parkinson’s disease often causes tremors and rigidity that contribute to physical pain, which could then make sex painful or uncomfortable. Men with the disease often suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Because Parkinson’s disease negatively affects the central nervous system, it may be difficult for a male to obtain an erection. The body requires a series of nerve impulses in the brain, spine, and penis in order to have an erection. Although poorly understood, problems with these nerve impulses may result in erectile dysfunction. In addition, the circulation to the penis and the muscles in the penis needs to be healthy to produce a normal erection. Problems with circulation or muscle function at the level of the penis may also contribute to the erectile dysfunction.
Medications and sexual dysfunction
Since depression is a common cause of sexual dysfunction and also one of the most common side effects that Parkinson’s disease patients may experience, medications are often prescribed. Medications such as antidepressants that are prescribed to treat depression may also result in sexual side effects. If potentially treatable sexual symptoms such as decreased sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction occur, patients should seek help.
© Copyright 1995-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved
Can't find the health information you’re looking for? Ask a Health Educator, Live!
Click here to go to the Neurological Institute Web site.
Know someone who could use this information?....send them this link.
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/17/2004
