Sex and Parkinson’s disease

An individual's sexuality is a very important aspect of our physical and mental health. When a healthy adult is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, many aspects of the person's physical and mental well being are disturbed including his or her sexuality.

Having Parkinson's disease should not be considered a reason for not showing your partner the love you have, whether you are the patient or the caregiver. The first thing a couple should remember is not to forget simple romance. Both partners should make every effort to make the relationship as warm and tender as possible.

Parkinson's disease in a relationship can change the quality of the relationship. The changes occur gradually as the disease progresses.

Making love is our natural expression of deep love and sometimes a physical disability such as Parkinson's disease can cause obstacles or even a total prevention.

Parkinson's disease can affect the sexual relationship on several different levels, Experiencing symptoms of Parkinson's disease may mean the patient is too tired to sexually perform. This may be a good reason to initiate love making in the morning or in the afternoon following a nap.

Having Parkinson's disease can also affect the autonomic nervous system which controls a man's ability to achieve and maintain an erection. This can affects a man's ability to perform sexually. You may find that adjusting medications may be helpful in limiting such effects.

Women suffering from Parkinson's disease may also be experience menopause. Sexual intercourse may become difficult due to vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse. There are additional treatments available for this.

Having Parkinson's disease can make the sufferer embarrassed of their shaking, tremors, drooling or other involuntary movements. These can often sexually deter the partner, too. One suggestion has been to suck on a mint while lovemaking to encourage swallowing and prevent drooling.

Some spouses are afraid of hurting their partner, especially just after diagnosis. Some people notice that the tremors and shaking are worse following lovemaking and believe that this is making the disease itself worse. These are in fact due to an expanding of energy and are temporary.

Both partners may not be interested in pursuing a sexual relationship, during the months following the diagnosis. This may be due to worrying about the progression of the disease or the thought of being a burden on their partner. It is always advisable to read as much as possible on the disease so each one’s fear can be faced head on and handled.

During the progression of the disease, there may be added or worsening symptoms, that may discourage lovemaking by deterring the unaffected partner sexually. If the unaffected partner is also the care giver, they may have difficulties switching from carer to lover.

Since sexuality plays a significant role in a person's healthy lifestyle, the patient often worries when their sexual desires and needs change. Sexual problems may be frustrating with the onset of Parkinson's disease and this often proves frustrating for both partners. There are often ways to improve or restore sexuality. A doctor can make helpful suggestions on the best course of action to take to solve any problems.

Sex and Parkinson’s Disease Related Items

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Sex and Parkinson’s Disease related articles from the blogosphere…

David J. Linden: The Personality of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that typically afflicts people over 50 and is more common in men than women. Its most striking symptoms include tremor (in the hands, legs, jaw and face), stiffness, slowness and problems with balance … A small but significant population of these patients started compulsively eating, shopping (or shoplifting) and having risky sex — all behaviors that are highly atypical for the normal Parkinson's sufferer. …

Publish Date: 07/19/2011 5:52

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-j-linden/parkinsons-disease-gambling_b_892567.html

Men: What Your Sex Life Says About Your Health | SRH Matters

People with problems of the nervous system (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes) are at higher risk, as are smokers and those with high blood pressure. What to do: Report this unusual combination of symptoms to your doctor …

Publish Date: 01/08/2010 0:00

http://blog.srhmatters.org/men-what-your-sex-life-says-about-your-health/

Parkinson's Disease and Complications – Assisted Living Facilities

Age; Sex (males develop Parkinson's more often than females); Heredity; Toxin exposure (herbicides and pesticides). Parkinson's disease has a number of complications that affect the quality of life of those suffering …

Publish Date: 05/16/2011 8:32

http://www.assistedlivingfacilities.org/blog/resident-care/parkinsons-disease-complications/

Parkinson’s Disease and Sexual Dysfunction in URDU Part 10/13

Dr. Rana speaking about Sexual Dysfunction in URDU.