top of page

Sexual Dysfunction

People with Parkinson's commonly experience sexual dysfunction, and most live with it because they are reluctant to bring the issue up to physicians. Through open communication with your physician, medication adjustments may be able to be made to assist with erectile dysfunction. While some dopamine agonists can increase sexual interest and activity, certain antidepressants can do the opposite.

Men will most commonly report erectile dysfunction, but women living with Parkinson's often report that a loss of lubrication and involuntary urination during sex are also big concerns. Finding the right balance of medications can help you overcome many of the sexual intimacy barriers you may feel. Redefining what intimacy means to you and your partner can also be meaningful when clearly communicated with one another. A licensed therapist can also help you navigate these changes.

Sources:

Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's. Every Victory Counts,  Your Go-To Resource of Essential Information for Living Well with Parkinson's. Page 87. "Manual." Sixth Edition, 2021.

 

bottom of page