Sexual needs and sexual function of patients with Parkinson's disease

Background Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a frequent non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) that is rarely addressed, and sexual counseling is sporadic. Objectives To investigate PD patients' SD and sexual counseling motivation and to propose an interventional strategy for movement disorder specialists. Methods All consecutive PD patients who presented to a movement disorder unit between 2018 and 2019 completed anonymous questionnaires containing the Female Sexual Function Index, the International Index of Erectile Function, and a questionnaire on sexual needs and motivation to receive sexual counseling. Results The age range of the 100 recruited patients (78 men) was 40-80 years, and the mean disease duration was 8.64 +/- 6.84 years. SD appeared at all PD stages. The presence of SD pre-PD diagnosis significantly predicted SD post-diagnosis in men. Erectile dysfunction was the most common male SD (70%). Women reported frequent SD before PD diagnosis and currently. More than half of the responders (74% of the men and 40% of the women) were motivated to receive sexual counseling. Most of them (77.4%) were in a relationship. Conclusions The findings of this analysis revealed that most PD patients had experienced SD before being diagnosed with PD and were interested in receiving sexual counseling. We propose a six-step intervention strategy for the management of SD in PD designed for application in a movement disorder unit. We also recommend that neurologists and other healthcare providers undergo training to provide basic sexual counseling tailored to the needs of PD patients.