Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in comparison to general population (GP), highlight the specific sexual complaints using a validated survey, and understand the impact of motor and non-motor symptoms and medications on SD in PD.

Background: PD presents with multiple disabling motor and non-motor symptoms, such as SD. While male SD is more frequently recognized in clinical encounters, SD in women is often overlooked. However, SD in women may impact quality of life, mood and ability to cope with PD symptoms.

Methods: We enrolled 26 female PD subjects with mean age 69. A 53-question survey was given based on a validated Scale for Quality of Sexual Function (QSF). Questions were split into four domains; Psychosomatic quality of life, Sexual Activity, Self Reflection, and Partners View. Composite scores were calculated for each domain. The total composite score (TCS, sum of all domain scores) was calculated. PD severity was assessed using H&Y. All scores were compared to QSF normal values published from general population data. Pearson’s correlations were assessed between TCS and domain scores and dopamine agonist use, levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD), and sub-scores for impulsivity and mood.

Results: Overall, severe SD (TCS) was present in 15.4% in PD and 9.7% in GP. The major impact on TCS was derived from the sexual activity domain (rated severe in 34.6% of PD vs 8.2% of GP). The second largest contributor was the Psychosomatic quality of life domain (rated severe in 50% of PD vs. 23.4% of GP). PD subjects reported that their partners detected more SD symptoms than they did themselves, which was not the case in GP. Within the PD group, neither TSC or domain composite scores were significantly correlated with H&Y, dopamine antagonist use, LEDD, impulsivity, or mood. Those taking antidepressants had a significantly higher Psychosomatic composite score compared to those not on antidepressants, with difference of -5.56 (SE 2.32), p=0.03.

Conclusions: Our study shows that SD in women with PD is more common than GP. Symptoms involving sexual activity and psychosomatic quality of life were the most significant contributors. PD subjects tend to underrate their SD symptoms compared with their partners. SD was independent of motor severity, medication use and mood symptoms. Further research is needed to examine the role of anxiety, depression and somatic symptoms in SD in more detail.

References: 1. Bronner, G. (2011). Managment of sexual dysfunction in parkinson’s disease. Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, 4(6), 375-83. doi:10.1177/1756285611411504. 2. Gila, B. (2004). Sexual dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 30, 95-105.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/sexual-dysfunction-in-women-with-parkinsons-disease-2/