Let’s talk about sex… And Parkinson’s
Sexual health in people with Parkinson’s is not often discussed. This area can become a challenge for people with Parkinson’s and their partners. I’d like to make this subject easier to talk about. Previously I wrote the Handbook Parkinson’s Symptoms, to tell you ‘What’s going on? What’s to be done?’ and ‘What’s better to avoid?’ Now I am doing the same on the subject of intimacy and sexual health.
I compiled information from neurological handbooks and articles about the subject and translated them to laymen’s terms to explain what’s going on and to share possible solutions that can improve our sexual health.
As in the Handbook Parkinson’s Symptoms, I would like to add the experiences of people with Parkinson’s, their partners and health care professionals. This is where I need you. I’ve created an anonymous questionnaire and would like you to take a
moment and think about what you can share about what helped you. (Nothing will be saved to the site, the answers only end up in my mailbox, without your name attached).
Your answers will provide others with ideas on how to improve their situation. It’s not about comparing to how things were before Parkinson's, but rather about sharing what adjustments you’ve made, what works now, and what might help others, facing a similar situation. Or about what advise you gave, as a healthcare professional.
To give you an idea what this would look like in the book, check out some examples here.
Take a look at the suggestions below and use any or all boxes to type your answers. If something is not applicable, just pass by it. You may always email me at monique@parkinsonbasics.com (this is not anonymous; I will see your email address. I will not share text or email address with anyone though).
I will use the answers as much as possible in the book or on this site, sometimes in combination with similar answers.
The questionnaire
If you can share anything about what works for you and your partner, or what you as a healthcare professional have advised, it will help many of us to enjoy this wonderful part of life to the fullest. Thank you so much!
Below are some possible questions to get your thoughts going. Please share anything you think might help someone else: