Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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CMstanding 08/02/2011

I am not looking to pry into anyone's personal intimate life and I hope I don't offend anyone here by asking this question. But I can't find much on this topic anywhere, so I am going to ask here. Does PD affect one's sexual desire and/or sexual response? Please don't go into detail -(Not looking for TMI) I am just looking for a general answer such as it has had no effect or it has affected it in a negative or positive way.

Do the med's (which ones?) diminish sexual desire or sexual response? I noticed that some of them list diminished libido as a possible side effect - is that the norm for most of these drugs? Do any of them have a positive effect?

deleted_user 08/02/2011

What is that ?? LOL I am not on PD drugs yet. But my neuro doc told me that Mirapex can cause an addiction to sex. There are many drugs that affect libido and I know I am on some of them. Some would call my side effects negative but I am ok with it for sure. Depends on the person I guess.

deleted_user 08/02/2011

You know, sex is part of life for most of us. Everything I've read suggests there can be problems of either increased libido or decreased function connected to either the meds or to the shift in dopamine in our systems. What I can gather is that it could be better or worse in some respects, depending on which side the problem falls.

deleted_user 08/03/2011

My husband began loosing interest even before his official diagnosis. He was just in in mid 40's at the time. He was so upset and preoccupied about what was happening to his body that he lost his "Mojo" as he put it. So for the past 15 years, we snuggle and chat instead. I have adjusted and look forward to our way of being intimate every morning before we start our day.

deleted_user 08/03/2011

My husband has increasing lost his libido for the last few years. Of course, before the DX, I thought it was me. :) THAT was a tough pill to swallow, to say the least. Now, after his neuro explained how PD effects different parts of the body, I understand it is NOT me. We both have come to terms with "maybe it will happen, maybe it won't." However, since he has been on Requip XL, there has been a 180 degree turn around. I agree with mazzara, though. You just have to adjust your idea of being intimate. I have to remind myself, this may be hard on me, but it is 1000 times harder on him.

Lynnie200 08/03/2011

I was told that sexual disfunction can stem from Parkinson's. You may even have it long before you are actually diagnosed. Since PD is a slow process then certain things happen but you don't know why. He wasn't on any medicaiton years ago, so I don't think they have anything to do with it. It just one of the many symptoms which happen, but not necessarily to everyone.

PhilGS 08/04/2011

Hi. I have been diagnosed and been taking PD meds for nearly 5 years now. I still feel desire and my naughty bits still rise to the occasion...sorry I hope no one found that vulgar.

There are times when I'm just feel too worn out or my tremors or dyskinesias don't make me feel overly attractive. When my wife ended our relationship last winter, I thought I would never experience intimacy for the rest of my life...who could possibly find this shaking, writhing man attractive? I'm happy to say I was wrong.

deleted_user 08/04/2011

Mirapex can really change a person for the worse.It happened to me. If anyone wants to hear what I went thru contact me privately, It also may cause compulsive gambling which I was unlucky to also expierence.

deleted_user 08/04/2011

As far as sex life It may help if you are in good physical shape to have an active sex life, You feel better mentally and feel better about things. Also I read the brain releases dopamine when a person is in love, I can't but some of you may have that feeling with a spouse or partner,try to remember the feeling of being smitten.

hisknobs 08/05/2011

I found that after 25 yars of marrajge we had to slow dow, to twice a day haha

deleted_user 08/05/2011

Does eating a lot of fish have anything to do with that???? haha

deleted_user 08/06/2011

Yes. So much caregiving that it is hard to desire intimacy, and yet my husband (PWP) misses our intimacy so much that it is a regular issue of stress.

deleted_user 08/06/2011

Hope these answers help you and clear some things up for you. I will keep messaging you privately since this is a sensitive subject.

Lot of wisdom and experience here!

CMstanding 08/06/2011

Thanks everyone for your answers! As with everthing about this dang disease, it appears once again, everyone's experience is varied.

So I guess I get to wait and see where my journey takes me.

You can be sure of one thing, I am not going down without a fight - including this area of my life.

deleted_user 08/08/2011

Pamulahawk, I'm in the very same situation, I feel aweful, guilty, selfish, but caregiving changes somethings and I cannot seem to get over that. P.M. me if you like.
To others, My hubby's sexual desire, performance was not effected by the meds nor PD for many years.

Khis

peachybum 08/18/2011

Oh sex, being one of my favorite things in life! I know I used to totally become immersed and let myself go, . These day here comes the I shake or three in my right leg, and then l become focused on the shake hoping is is not bothering my partner!

I dont want to talk about it with him, because i don't want to run our intimacy .

Lots of thoughts on this matter

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