Sex Life with Epilepsy

Persons with epilepsy can enjoy all the sexual feelings and pleasures others enjoy. Epilepsy is not generally associated with restrictions on sexual activities. Most persons with epilepsy have normal sex lives. There is no convincing evidence that seizures are more likely to occur during sexual activities. Rarely, seizures may be more likely to occur during or shortly after physical exertion and intense emotional experiences. In this case, some modifications may be needed for the enjoyment of an active sex life.

Sexual dysfunction, a common problem in the general population, refers to an inability to experience sexual feelings and arousal or to perform sexual activities. For example, the failure of a man to achieve an erection (impotence) or the inability of a man or woman to achieve an orgasm (anorgasmia) are forms of sexual dysfunction. In the general population of people without epilepsy, many women do not routinely achieve orgasm, and intermittent impotence is a problem for young men and even more of a problem for older men. Impotence is more common among men with epilepsy than for men in the general population. Antiepileptic drugs, mainly the barbiturates (phenobarbital and primidone), can cause or aggravate the impotence. The epilepsy itself, and not antiepileptic drugs, may contribute to sexual dysfunction, especially if the seizures are poorly controlled. If depression is present, its treatment may lead to resumption of normal sexual functioning. Viagra (sildenafil) appears to be safe for epilepsy patients and does not interact with antiepileptic drugs.

Studies suggest that some persons with epilepsy have a reduced libido, or a lower level of interest in sexual activity, compared with people in the general population. Only a minority of persons with epilepsy have such a problem, and they are not usually concerned about it. More often, a spouse feels that the partner's interest in sex is less than he or she would expect. Women with epilepsy are more likely than other women to experience painful intercourse and sexual dissatisfaction. If sexual dysfunction is a problem, a person should not hesitate to discuss it with the doctor, and referral to a gynecologist, urologist, or other specialist may be helpful.

Source: epilepsy.com