Parkinson's Disease and Sexual Problems
Topic Overview
Problems with sexual function in people with
Parkinson's disease are common.
- Muscle stiffness and movement may make sexual
activity difficult.
- Depression or anxiety may result in a loss of
interest in sex or, in men, erection problems. These often can be improved by
treatment with medicine.
- Parkinson's disease can affect the
nerves that control the sexual organs. This may cause difficulty in getting or
maintaining an erection and delayed ejaculation in men. It can affect arousal
in both men and women.
- Medicines used to treat Parkinson's
disease or other conditions may affect sexual function.
If you are having problems with sexual function, talk to your doctor.
He or she may be able to help you pinpoint what is causing the problem.
Sometimes changes in medicine or exercise or treatment for depression may be
all that is needed to solve these problems.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
G. Frederick Wooten, MD - Neurology |
|
Last Revised
|
December 5, 2012 |
Last Revised:
December 5, 2012