As with many chronic illnesses, Parkinson’s can have an impact on your relationships. This can include intimacy and sexuality. Openly communicating challenges, discussing together possible solutions, exploring each other’s sexual preferences and considering alternative options for intimacy can all go a long way in reducing the impact Parkinson’s can have on your love life. Parkinson’s can be unpredictable, so do not be disappointed if things do not go as expected. The most important thing is to remain flexible and sympathetic to each other’s needs.
Below are some hints and tips to improve and maintain intimacy and closeness in personal relationships.
- Talk together about how Parkinson’s is affecting you and your relationship. Be open with one another and commit to continuing to be so. Discuss any challenges and consider possible solutions together. This will help reduce barriers and potential embarrassment.
- Set aside time to show your partner how much you love and appreciate them. This could include telling them how much you love and appreciate them, sharing how they make you feel, listening to music together, reading together or giving your partner a foot massage. There are many ways to increase and maintain sexual and non-sexual intimacy. Build a pattern of spending quality time together into your routine.
- You can enjoy closeness with your partner by sharing time together and using touch in the form of hand holding or enjoying a cuddle to show love and enjoy intimacy without any additional pressure.
- Planning a day together at home or going to a chosen destination can be something nice to look forward too. If possible, consider planning a weekend trip or holiday to ensure time to connect.
- Set aside time to talk about sexual preferences and how these could be met.
- Consider setting aside time for sex and intimacy when movement symptoms are at a minimum and energy levels are at an optimum.
- Consider using lubricants to reduce the physical effects of Parkinson’s. Ensure you read the instructions thoroughly prior to use and seek advice if required.
- Discuss the potential use of sexual aids as this can support sex and intimacy.
- Consider ways of increasing levels of intimacy and satisfaction through sexual stimulation without intercourse.
- Discuss sexual positions in advance and plan to minimise any changes in position. Make a note of comfortable positions for the future.
- Use satin sheets to assist with ease of movement.
- Parkinson’s can affect facial expression leading to “facial masking” this could lead to potential miscommunications during intimate moments. Discuss with your partner how you can communicate your preferences and enjoyment during intimate moments in other ways without having to rely on facial expression alone.
Like anyone else, people with Parkinson’s can experience sexual dysfunction. Some Parkinson’s- related symptoms such as reduced movement, pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance in combination with emotional changes such as anxiety, depression, apathy and medication side effects can all contribute to sexual dysfunction. Your GP or Parkinson’s team would be happy to talk about this and will have helpful suggestions.
A small minority of people taking medication to increase dopamine’s availability in the brain can experience increased sexual desires. Occasionally this can lead to problematic behaviour. Please talk to the Parkinson’s team if you are concerned that this is becoming an issue for you or your partner. Further information can be found here: Impulsive and Compulsive Behaviour.
sex, impotence