Most individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease will experience changes to their body that aren’t related to the symptoms most related to the condition. The most common and symptoms used to diagnose Parkinson’s Disease are tremor (shaking), bradykinesia (slowing down of movements), muscle rigidity (muscle stiffness), and postural instability (changes in posture and/or walking pattern) which progress over time.

 

Heavily reported and explored through research is the effect of Parkinson’s Disease on libido with findings revealing that most individuals who experience sexual dysfunction report an onset shortly after the appearance of Parkinson’s Disease. Although sexual dysfunction is frequently occurring it is often neglected, and it is this decreased sexual desire that can contribute to a decrease in quality of life. Evidence suggests that up to 84% of men and 83% of women with Parkinson’s Disease experience loss of libido when compared to healthy individuals. In addition, most will experience changelis to sexual activity following the onset of Parkinson’s Disease (for example premature ejaculation and orgasmic dissatisfaction).

 

What are the Causes?

 At this point in time, there is a link between depression in Parkinson’s Disease individuals and loss of libido/sexual desire which may be contributing to your symptoms or what you are feeling. It is also possible that medications you are currently taking may be contributing to the changes you are experiencing. There have been other links between increasing age, gender, land lower levels of education.

 

Bottom Line:

More attention needs to be given to individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s Disease which goes beyond the most debilitating symptoms experienced. In this case those symptoms are tremor, bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, and postural instability. If you are noticing that your ability to perform is not what it used to where you would like it to be, book an appointment with your doctor. This can include loss of libido, sexual dissatisfaction and premature ejaculation. Changes typically occur early on during Parkinson’s Disease, and these are often overlooked by healthcare professionals who are typically more concerned about the major motor symptoms of the condition.

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Never make changes to your current treatment regime without first consulting medical advice, even if you think this may be a contributing factor. This could contribute to an aggravation of symptoms and could lead to an injurious fall.