Tips for Daily Living

Tips for Intimacy & Incontinence with Parkinson’s

Man kissing his wife's hand

Between 30-90% of people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience intimacy issues. These challenges can affect the person living with Parkinson’s as well as their partner.

Though it may seem taboo to discuss topics like sex and the human body, understanding the impact of non-movement PD symptoms like sexual dysfunction and incontinence issues can help you live well.

Navigating Intimacy

Sexual dysfunction is a common issue among the general population, but it is one of the most overlooked aspects of PD. Sexual dysfunction can encompass a variety of symptoms including sexual desire/arousal, ejaculation, sexual pain and erectile dysfunction.

Since Parkinson’s disease affects the production of dopamine in the brain, changes in levels of neurotransmitters can impact sexual function and lead to other sexual dysfunction symptoms.

There are many types of sexual dysfunction, as well as options for managing them:

  • Sexual arousal. To help improve sexual arousal or libido, doctors tend to first look at other potential causes, such as stress and anxiety. Treatments include types of therapies such as hormonal and sexual therapy, which usually includes your partner as well. Oral medications can also be taken to improve sexual arousal.
  • Ejaculation. To help ejaculation, behavioral techniques and/or vibratory stimulation can be effective. Oral and topical medications are also available to help with this symptom.
  • Erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle modifications and oral medications can help treat this symptom. Other potential treatments include Botox injections and surgery, which is rare.
  • Sexual discomfort. There are different interventions that can be used to decrease sexual discomfort such as vaginal estrogen, which comes in many forms. Additionally, behavioral, and physical interventions as well as pelvic floor physical therapy can help decrease discomfort.

Sexual dysfunction is a common problem for many individuals, but it is important to remember that these issues can be common for people living with PD. Fortunately, there are various treatments available to help combat sexual dysfunction depending on what you are experiencing and what works best for you.

Tips for Intimacy and PD

  • Increase open communication
  • Perform intimacy training and erotic tasks
  • Work with medical staff to reduce the effects of medications on sexual function
  • Understand comfortability and physical limitations of each other
  • Practice growing intimacy and satisfaction through sexual stimulation without intercourse, then begin to add it back in, known as the intercourse approach

Understanding Incontinence

Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation. Urinary issues are one of the most prevalent non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, affecting around 40-70% of people living with PD. These issues include urgency and/or frequency of urination, leakage and infection.

In the human body, the brain, spinal cord and nerves all interact with the bladder and sphincter. Injury or damage to nerves, which occurs in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, can impact the signaling in the bladder and lead to urinary symptoms.

First, talk to your doctor to rule out other medical issues, such as bladder or urinary infections. If your symptoms persist, there are a variety of treatments to help cope with urinary issues:

  • Behavioral modification includes timed voiding (going to bathroom every hour) and avoiding dietary irritants such as spicy foods and caffeine.
  • Pelvic muscle training can be an effective method to curb urinary issues.
  • Oral medications and bladder injections such as Botox are common treatments.
  • Surgery can be an option, but is rare.

Parkinson’s disease can impact life in many ways, especially when it comes to intimacy and incontinence. These symptoms may be challenging to manage, but there are strategies and treatments designed to help. With proper support and open communication with your care team, people living with PD can maintain a good quality of life and enjoy fulfilling relationships.

Tips for Incontinence and PD

  • Openly communicate with your healthcare provider and loved ones
  • Be aware and frequently use the restroom even if you don’t need to
  • Cut down on caffeine consumption
  • Keep a bladder diary to record your fluid intake and restroom patterns

Learn More

Explore our resources about intimacy and Parkinson’s:

The Parkinson's Foundation is here for you. Reach our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org for answers to your Parkinson’s questions and referrals to local wellness classes and support groups

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