[Sexual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease]

Sexual activity, function and libido in 50 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and no signs of mental deterioration were evaluated by an estructured questionnaire. The sample included 36 men and 14 women with a mean age of 57.9 +/- 10.1 years and a mean time elapsed since onset of 7.01 +/- 3.9 years. We found decreased sexual activity in 68% and a lack of libido admitted by 26%. Although the decrease in sexual activity was found more often in women, this dysfunction was not statistically significant. Decreased sexual desire, however, was statistically significant. Erectile dysfunction was found in 38.8% and was more frequent in patients over 61 years of age.