Sexual Life and Epilepsy

The aim of this review article is to present the problems of sexual functioning of patients with epilepsy. The generally available subject literature concerning the debated issue was analyzed, as well as the non-indexed publications. The impact of epilepsy on the quality of sexual life is indisputable, and the sources confirming that date back to antiquity. Nowadays, the relationship between epileptic seizures and sexual satisfaction is examined on four levels: disorders and sexual sensations associated with epileptic seizures; sexual dysfunction occurring between the seizures; the impact of sexual activity on epileptic seizures; the impact of antiepileptic drugs on the sexual life of patients. Research suggests that the problems associated with the suppression of sexuality or a reduced satisfaction with one’s sex life, affects 22 to 60%. This discrepancy suggests a lack of consistency and the complexity of the problem. Beside appropriate treatment it is also important that physicians do not skip aspects of the sexual functioning of patients with epilepsy, which seems to be neglected, if not least because of the very small number of publications on this issue. Sexual satisfaction may not always be contrary to the occurring of epileptic seizures. It is to be understood as a result of the adaptation of the patients to the disease, and as the specific impact of psychosocial factors.