From lack of sexual desire to low libido to difficulties with orgasmic functioning, this chronic, progressive, neurological disease can impair your sexuality in one way or the other. Couples can minimize any disruptions to their lovemaking in knowing how to effectively deal with the problems that can arise.
Since dopamine is a chemical that transmits signals between parts of the brain that usually coordinate smooth muscle movement, this is critical to sexual function on two fronts.
First, this dopamine drop may result in a decreased sex drive and sexual interest. The ParkinSex kit includes stimulating items and a book on how to put them into practice. The antidepressant medications that may be administered can also result in sexual dysfunction. Issues that may arise include:. The relationship, including the sex, becomes unfamiliar in many ways, especially for couples who have been together long term.
A study found that affectionate touching and the expression of feelings were reduced, despite both partners desiring intimacy. Such sleeping arrangements reduce the opportunity for spontaneous sexual contact. Individuals and couples should seek guidance and support in reducing sexual consequences that can arise.
Primary strategies include:. Your doctor can help you to decide upon the best course of action and suggest medications that can alleviate any sexual problems. Erectile dysfunction, for example, can be reversed by treatment with dopaminergic drugs, which can increase sexual functioning since they mimic or heighten the effects of dopamine producing neurons.
