Sexual Dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease and Their Influence on Partnership—Data of the PRISM Study

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunctions (SD) are common but underreported in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and have negative impacts on the quality of life (QoL) and partnership. Methods: We analyzed the data set from the PRISM study for demographics of SD and their influence on quality of life and partnership. Results: 449/861 (52.1%) PD patients reported SD, with male patients being affected more often and having a longer course of disease. The most common SD in men was erectile dysfunction (ED) (n = 152), while women’s most frequent complaints were orgasm dysfunction (n = 84) and reduced libido (n = 81). Hypersexual SDs were reported significantly more often by men. Spousal caregivers of patients reporting inability to relax and enjoy sex and reduced libido indicated a negative influence on the relationship in general. Negative effects on the sexual relationship were reported significantly more often for patients with ED, difficulties with sexual arousal, inability to relax and enjoy sex, and reduced libido. Hypersexual dysfunctions showed no effect on the relationship. Conclusion: SD is a common but underreported problem in the treatment of patients with PD. Due to the negative influence on the relationship and QoL of patients and caregivers, SD should be assessed routinely.

The impact of motor, non-motor, and social aspects on the sexual health of men living with Parkinson’s disease

“…This suggests that general aspects of short-term SH, extrapolating ED, are influenced by the complex aspects of marital relationship assessment by DAS. Previous studies have shown that the quality of the marital relationship is closely related to SH in both directions [8,34,54]. Our findings reinforce the importance of providing care not only for the patient but also for their partner.…”

“…Among the social factors, the quality of the marital relationship has been bidirectionally related to SH [34]. Brown et al (1990) showed that couples where one of the partners had PD who reported a better marital relationship were more satisfied with their sex life and vice versa [8].…”

Caregiver Burden in Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Editorial

“…In a secondary data analysis of a large real-world cross-sectional cohort, Kinateder et al analyzed the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in PD and the impact on the relationship [ 13 ]. Whereas male PD patients most frequently complained of erectile dysfunction, female patients complained in the majority about orgasm dysfunction and reduced libido.…”

Contributory Factors to Caregiver Burden in Parkinson's Disease

“…Healthcare professionals had no direct role in recruitment and contribution to this study was voluntary, allowing omission to questions that the respondent did not want to answer. Before entering the survey, participants were informed that all information would be treated confidentially and stored securely, in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation 19 …”

“…Before entering the survey, participants were informed that all information would be treated confidentially and stored securely, in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation. 19…”