Sexual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: what about women?

Sexual dysfunction is a common and distressing non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Nevertheless, few studies have specifically addressed sexual complaints in women with PD. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of clinical and epidemiological characteristics between women with PD and sexual dysfunction, those without dysfunction, and a control group. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using clinical data from female patients diagnosed with PD and age-matched healthy controls. The study included 28 patients with PD and 28 women in the control group. Sexual dysfunction was present in 60.7% of patients and 17.9% of controls, according to the Sexual Quotient - Female Version (p = 0.004), while no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in relation to the Female Sexual Function Index. PD patients with sexual dysfunction had higher scores on SCOPA-AUT and BDI-II. A higher proportion of dopamine agonist use was found among patients without sexual dysfunction. When compared to the general female population, women with PD attribute equivalent importance to sex but experience significantly higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction. They present more sexual dysfunction, affecting various phases of the sexual cycle. Sexual dysfunction in PD patients was directly related to depression and dysautonomia. A higher frequency of dopamine agonist use was observed among patients without sexual dysfunction, suggesting a possible association that warrants further investigation.