Correlates of quality of sexual life in male and female patients with Parkinson disease and their partners

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and their partners may experience a worsening of their sexual life.

Aim: To assess quality of sexual life (QoSL) in male and female PD patients and their partners.

Materials and methods: Medical, demographic and clinical data was collected regarding consecutive PD patients, including depression, and motor symptom rating. Partners' data included the short form-12 health questionnaire (SF-12). All patients and partners filled the 5-item QoSL questionnaire.

Results: Data from 89 PD patients (66 men) and 69 spouses (52 women) was analyzed. Male patients rejected sex significantly less than female patients and their sexual desire was higher, but female patients reported higher sexual satisfaction. Patients and partners similarly perceived their relationship which was averagely good. Analysis within couples demonstrated that better QoSL of patients could be predicted by gender (male), better QoSL of their partners and, motor severity, but not the patient's depression, age or use of l-dopa. The partner's QoSL was explained by younger age, and better motor scores of their parkinsonian partner. Treatment of the PD patient with l-dopa or dopamine agonist was associated with worse partner's QoSL.

Conclusion: Differences in QoSL of male and female PD patients and within couples were found. These findings suggest that focusing on partner's needs may improve QoSL of patients and partners troubled by PD.

Keywords: Couple; Desire; Parkinson's disease; Partner; Quality of sexual life; Sexual satisfaction.