Therapy for Sexual Health

01/16/2011

Medical therapies can help sexual function related to Parkinson's disease. A counselor or therapist is the first place to start, as the causes of sexual dysfunction are complex and usually involve a combination of physical, medical, psychological, and emotional issues.

Talk to your doctor of health care provider if you have a problem as treatment is available. Start with your primary care provider. You may need a referral to a urologist or gynecologist.

[See related article on Sexual Health.]

Men:

Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are a group of medicines called phophodiesterase inhibitors that improve penile blood flow and improve erectile dysfunction. You should take special caution with these medicines if you have low blood pressure a problem that can ocur with Parkinson's. You should not take these medicines if you are on nitroglycerin and other angina (chest pain) drugs such as isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur) or isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil). These medicines are not for you if you had a stroke, heart failure or uncontrolled diabetes. Testosterone replacement may be prescribed for deficiency as can be seen in Parkinson's and older individuals.

Other medicines include alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine. These medicines are self-injected into the base of the penis to produce an erection that lasts up to 20 minutes.

Surgical treatments include penile pump or implants.

Women:

Hormonal therapies are sometimes used but due to side effects are not for everyone. Estrogen therapy such as creams or a vaginal ring can improve vaginal tone, dryness, and perhaps even feelings that impact labido. Testosterone cream is also prescribed in some cases. In clincial research, Viagra has helped some women with sexual dysfunction as a result of SSRIs a medicine taken for depression.

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