Sexual Side Effects - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

Ariel-Rose · 08-12-2003, 04:11 PM

Hello Everyone...I hope someone out there can help me out a bit...I have been dating a 36 year old man who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's for 3 years now...He suffers from moderate to somewhat severe symptoms - of course the severity depends upon the symptom in question...Tremors, shuffling, speech delay, etc...As we have been dating now for approximately 4 months, the topic of a sexual relationship is currently being discussed...He has not been in any kind of relationship for two and a half years so neither of us is sure of what to expect of sex in general...We are both aware that sexual side effects may be apparent, but aren't 100% sure as to what to expect...I realize that these side effects/symptoms will vary person to person, but we are interested in finding out some input from others as to what maye be expected and what the best way to deal with these would be - from the Parkinson's patient point of view...My boyfriend is a wonderful man, but as a result of Parkinson's and his "limitations" can get extremely angry and frustrated...This is why I am hoping that someone out there can shed a little information on this and more importantly what would be the best way to deal with his frustrations should any "problems" occur...Thanks in advance for your time...

[This message has been edited by Ariel-Rose (edited 08-13-2003).]

Bruce · 08-12-2003, 04:34 PM

Pd does lower the sex drive and antidepressants such as Prozac have a greater effect. Having said that, sex, in my opinion, is mostly mental.

If you both truly love each other, sex is only a problem if you make it a problem. Just don't worry about it, and you will be fine.

Bruce

Ariel-Rose · 08-12-2003, 10:07 PM

Thanks, Bruce...I agree with you, unfortunately most of the concerns are on his end...We are both taking things slow and will just let things happen naturally

Bruce · 08-13-2003, 12:24 PM

It sounds like you both are on the right track. Unfortunately, men tend to be sensitive to any loss of there libido.

I have never used it, but as far as i know, Viagra might be helpful. It increases the blood supply to the man's sex organs.

On another forum, a woman posted her boy friend, who she had known all of their lives, refused to have anything to do with her. He didn't want to put her through taking care of him when they grew older.

Again, it's just my opinion, but if you both love each other and you both have been honest and straight forward with each other, there is no reason you couldn't have a good life together. "For better or worse."