Assessment of sexual dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease: a case-control study

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been very well studied, as most of the research has methodological restrictions like having no control group, using invalid assessment tools, unidimensional investigation of sexual functions and inclusion of males/females only. This study aimed to examine different sexual functions in patients with PD and compare with matched non-parkinsonian controls by using a valid instrument. Predicting factors of SD in PD were also investigated. Methods: The sample consisted of 45 patients with PD and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Sexual functions were evaluated by Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX). Results: Female patients had reduced sexual drive and they were less satisfied with orgasm, while male patients had easier orgasms than did the controls. Regression analysis identified increased age and female sex predictive of reduced sexual drive and sexual arousal. Ability to reach orgasm and satisfaction with orgasm were associated with female sex, while erection/lubrication was associated with marital status. The severity and duration of PD, as well as the severity of anxiety and depression were not associated with SD. Conclusion: Using ASEX in the detection of SD in PD might be important in directing patients to further evaluation and treatment.