Intimacy, Sexual Health, and PD

By Gila Bronner and Orna Moore. Published by Parkinson’s Life, April 9, 2015

This webpage highlights both the motor and non-motor symptoms, medication side effects, and psychological aspects that contribute to disturbed sexual function, as well as the contradictory role of the partner-caregiver. Resolution of sexual dysfunction requires open communication with your healthcare professional(s) and your partner.

Published by Victoria State Government, Australia, April 2021

This webpage summarizes the motor and autonomic nervous system with respect to Parkinson’s disease, how treatment for Parkinson’s can affect sexuality, sexual issues for people with Parkinson’s disease and their partners, practical suggestions and professional help for couples.

Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, February 2026

This two-page fact sheet encourages couples to broaden their view of intimacy in order to maintain and even improve their intimate connection. Couples are also encouraged to talk with an MD and therapist.

By Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, MS Ed. Published by American Parkinson Disease Association

This webpage identifies the physical, psychological, and relationship issues related to sex and PD. The author shares lots of tips for resolving relationship issues. There are links to a two-page fact sheet on "Communication and Intimacy" (published in 2017 with an update planned for 2025) and an August 2017 webinar with clinical sexologist Dr. Sheila Silver. The APDA has a kit, "ParkinSex," for couples to reconnect.

Published by Parkinson’s UK

This webpage and downloadable booklet discuss how Parkinson’s affects sex, and the sexual problems Parkinson’s can cause with suggestions for improving one’s sex life.

Published by Parkinson's Foundation

This webpage addresses how PD symptoms and medication affect sexual health.  Tips to address PD-related sexual dysfunction are shared.  There are links to other webpages on male sexual health and female sexual health, and a two-page fact sheet on "Intimacy and Parkinson's."

Published by The Michael J. Fox Foundation

Several aspects of sexual dysfunction related to Parkinson’s disease symptoms, medication side effects and psychological issues with strategies and therapies to compensate are discussed, as well as contraception and pregnancy, briefly.

By University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, April 10, 2021

In this 24-minute talk, neurologist Bavana Patel, MD, discusses why it is important to talk about sexual health, how Parkinson's disease affects sexual health, and management options, including practical strategies from patients and medications.

By PMD Alliance, June 18, 2020

This one-hour webinar featuring clinical sexologist, Dr. Sheila Silver, may be of benefit to both caregivers and those with PD.  Intimacy encompasses deep emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical closeness in a relationship.  Both the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s can have an impact on all aspects of intimacy.  In addition, care partners face their own challenges, exacerbated by caregiver stress.

Webinar Notes are on the Stanford PD Community Blog.

By Davis Phinney Foundation, May 16, 2024

In this 35-minute webinar, two certified sex therapists discuss the ways PD may affect sex and intimacy.

By the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas, February 6, 2026

In this 45-minute webinar, an occupational therapist (OT) explores how Parkinson's disease affects sex and intimacy and highlights the OT's role in supporting clients and partners through education, adaptive strategies, and meaningful participation in intimate occupations.
Webinar Notes on the Stanford PD Community Blog

By The Michael J. Fox Foundation, February 20, 2020

This one-hour webinar features clinical sexologist, Dr. Sheila Silver. She notes that intimacy encompasses deep emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical closeness in a relationship. The motor and non-motor symptoms of PD can impact intimacy, while care partners are coping with caregiver stress.

Webinar Notes are on PD Community Support blog.

Published by American Parkinson Disease Association, October 2023

This award-winning resource is described as the "Kama Sutra for Parkinson's."  The kit suggests how to use massage stones, candles, a blindfold, and other items to help strengthen relationships between partners navigating PD and to foster connection and intimacy.  "ParkinSex" is available as a downloadable booklet (21 pages) or a video (14 minutes). 

By Davis Phinney Foundation, May 8, 2024

In this 36-minute podcast (audio only), two women with Young Onset PD, Heather Kennedy and Kat Hill, dive deep into the importance and challenges of sexual health for people with Parkinson’s.

By Maria De León, MD. Published by parkinsonsdiva.org, November 30, 2016

Both men and women suffer from sexual problems when it comes to chronic disease, like Parkinson’s.  For women, there are six areas of sexual dysfunction, complicated by fatigue, incontinence, and embarrassment.  Tips for overcoming these, in addition to medications, and alternative therapies, like behavioral therapy, sex therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.