Parkinson’s Disease and Sexual Dysfunctions in Men

The objectives of this study were to analyze the difference between morning serum total testosterone level, cortisol level and sexual health status in Parkinson’s patients and age matched control group. A standard questionnaire was designed regarding their socio-economic status, clinical records and sexual health. 5 mL of the blood samples were taken from all the participants and were analyzed for serum total testosterone and cortisol using Bio-check (USA) and GmbH (Germany) test kit. In Parkinson’s patients serum cortisol level was significantly higher (Mean ± SEM = 326.6 ± 6.34 mU/L, P < 0.0001) as compared to control group (Mean ± SEM =249.4 ± 7.64 mU/L). Serum total testosterone level in Parkinson’s patients was significantly lowered (Mean ± SEM = 450.6 ± 5.40 ng/dl, P < 0.0001) as compared to control group (Mean ± SEM = 534.3 ± 6.31 ng/dl). Sexual health problems like, erectile dysfunction, difficulties in ejaculation, decreased libido, dissatisfaction with sexual life, difficulties in reaching orgasm, absent morning and nocturnal erection and stopped having sex were common in Parkinson patients as compared to age matched control group. Parkinson disease negatively affects sexual health by reducing serum total testosterone and increasing serum cortisol level.