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Impaired Sexual Function

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Parkinson’s Disease and Nonmotor Dysfunction

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

The incidence of impaired sexual function in adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is greater than in the general population. Studies have examined different aspects of sexual function among adults with PD and their partners. Comparison groups have included healthy adults matched for age and gender, as well as age-matched controls with chronic, nonneurological disease with motor impairment. Impaired sexual function in PD is most likely multifactorial. Depression, physical disability, and autonomic dysfunction may contribute to the increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among men with PD. Given this multifactorial basis, clinicians should routinely assess patient needs. For women with PD, therapeutic interventions and impaired sexual function have not been adequately described. Further research is required to develop treatment for adults with PD and sexual dysfunction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Columbia University, 710 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Cheryl Waters M.D., F.R.C.P. & Janice Smolowitz EdD, DNP

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  1. Cheryl Waters M.D., F.R.C.P.
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  2. Janice Smolowitz EdD, DNP
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Correspondence to Cheryl Waters M.D., F.R.C.P. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA

    Ronald F. Pfeiffer (Professor and Vice Chair) (Professor and Vice Chair)

  2. Parkinson’s Disease and Related Disorders Clinic, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Ivan Bodis-Wollner

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Waters, C., Smolowitz, J. (2013). Impaired Sexual Function. In: Pfeiffer, R.F., Bodis-Wollner, I. (eds) Parkinson’s Disease and Nonmotor Dysfunction. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-429-6_11

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