Male Sexual Health

💡 Quick Summary

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with Parkinson’s and involves difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.  

  • A medical evaluation is important to identify potential causes, as physicians should consider PD-related and non-PD causes of impotence and decreased libido. 

  • Treatments range from medications to injectable therapies. Most are generally safe to use with Parkinson’s medications. 

  • Treatments can include medications, lifestyle adjustments and addressing other medical factors. 

Couple cuddling in bed

Sexual dysfunction in PD impacts more men than women. Do not hesitate to any address any sexual health changes with your doctor.

How does Parkinson’s play a part in erectile dysfunction in men?

Male impotence, otherwise known as erectile dysfunction (ED), refers to difficulty with achieving and maintaining an adequate erection. Erectile dysfunction warrants a thorough evaluation so the physician or other healthcare provider can look for all possible causes, especially diabetes (which can cause autonomic neuropathy) and other disorders.

Many men have benefited from the release and widespread use of ED treatments — from those that must be injected into the penis to oral preparations. While these medications are contraindicated in certain heart conditions, they are generally safe to use in combination with anti-Parkinson’s medicines and more effective in younger age groups.

As with other non-motor symptoms, the doctor or other healthcare provider should conduct a complete physical examination and consider other causes of impotence and decreased libido, including poor circulation to the genitals that commonly occurs in diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, enlarged prostate, depression and other medical conditions.

Medications to Treat PD-Related Erectile Dysfunction

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