Discussing sexuality with patients with Parkinson’s disease: a survey among Dutch neurologists

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual appearance of motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS) (Jankovic 2008). Although the diagnosis of idiopathic PD is based on classical motor features of parkinsonism (National Collaboration Centre for Chronic Conditions UK 2006), PD patients frequently develop NMS prior to the onset of motor complaints (Breen and Drutyte 2013; Chaudhuri et al. 2006, 2011; Chaudhuri and Odin 2010). The spectrum of NMS is broad and includes sexual dysfunction (SD) (Chaudhuri et al. 2006, 2011; Chaudhuri and Odin 2010). SD in PD may either be an intrinsic feature of the disease or result indirectly from PD-related motor symptoms that interfere with intimate touch and sexual (Bronner 2011).

SD is a frequent problem among PD patients. A recent study demonstrated altered interest in sex in 57% of PD patients and problems during sexual intercourse in 66% of PD patients (Santos-García and de la Fuente-Fernández 2013). The presentation of SD is diverse. Difficulties reaching orgasms are more common in PD patients compared to matched controls (Bronner et al. 2004; Koller et al. 1990; Sakakibara et al. 2001). Erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems are reported in 79% of male PD patients (Bronner et al. 2004; Koller et al. 1990; Sakakibara et al. 2001). In women with PD, involuntary urination during coitus and vaginal tightness are more prevalent compared to matched controls (Welsh et al. 1997). Furthermore, loss of lubrication is indicated as a problem in female PD patients (Koller et al. 1990; Kotková and Weiss 2013). PD patients may also experience SD as a side effect of dopaminergic treatment (Nakum and Cavanna 2016). SD induced by dopaminergic treatment often concerns hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior instead of hyposexual problems (Nakum and Cavanna 2016). Hypersexuality occurs in approximately 2.7% of PD patients who receive dopaminergic treatment and in 7.4% of PD patients who receive a dopamine agonist (Nakum and Cavanna 2016). Impaired sexual functioning in PD patients contributes to a reduced frequency of sexual intercourse or even sexual abstinence (23% in male and 22% in female patients) (Bronner et al. 2004; Sakakibara et al. 2001). This suggests that SD in PD patients also impedes the sexual health of their partners. In fact, partners of PD patients experience sexual dissatisfaction as much as patients do (Wielinski et al. 2010).

It is assumed that SD in general has a negative influence on quality of life (QoL) (Laumann et al. 1999). In PD, erectile dysfunction, impaired sex drive, and reduced libido have a significant impact on patients’ well-being (Baig et al. 2015; Duncan et al. 2014). Unfortunately, sexual functioning is barely assessed in disease-specific questionnaires, such as the PDQ39 (Chaudhuri et al. 2006).

Treatment strategies for SD in PD patients are limited. Sildenafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor, has proved to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (Zesiewicz et al. 2010). Dose reduction or discontinuation of a dopamine agonist is recommended when patients experience hypersexuality (Nakum and Cavanna 2016). Despite the lack of therapeutic options, discussing sexuality with PD patients remains essential, considering the broad diversity of SD, the high prevalence, and impact on the well-being of patients and their spouse. However, to our knowledge, no study has yet been published that has focused on neurologists’ practice patterns with respect to SD in their PD patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate to what extent neurologists specializing in PD discuss sexuality with their PD patients. This study also focused on existing barriers towards discussing SD, neurologists’ perspective on who is responsible for discussing SD, their level of knowledge, and the need for additional training to extend their knowledge regarding SD. In addition, information was obtained about the use of the Parkinson Monitor (Parkinson’s Well-Being Map), a tool that allows PD patients to record both motor symptoms and NMS, including SD (see Online Resource 1). Furthermore, it was determined which variables were associated with the frequency of discussing sexuality.

The spectrum of PD-related NMS consists of many symptoms, including SD that may impair QoL (Duncan et al. 2014). As such, neurologists face the challenge to screen PD patients thoroughly for both motor symptoms and NMS. We asked Dutch neurologists specializing in PD about their practice patterns with regard to discussing sexuality with their PD patients. The majority of participants reported that they often omit discussing sexuality, especially with women and patients over the age of 70 years. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has examined the level of attention neurologists pay to the sexual well-being of PD patients. Interestingly, our results show a remarkable similarity with the outcome of an earlier study among patients with multiple sclerosis that also demonstrated an undervaluation of sexuality by their treating physicians (Hulter and Lundberg 1995). Moreover, the undervaluation of SD seems not to be confined to neurological care, as studies that focused on other medical disciplines also revealed a lack of routine screening for SD (Korse et al. 2016; Krouwel et al. 2015; Nicolai et al. 2013; van Ek et al. 2015).

Participants were asked which barriers they encounter when discussing sexuality. High age of patients was the most reported barrier. This is concordant with the results of studies in which neurosurgeons and surgical oncologists were asked about practice patterns with regard to sexual health of their patients (Korse et al. 2016; Krouwel et al. 2015). A possible explanation for this lack of attention for SD in the elderly may be that medical specialists assume that the majority of elderly patients are not sexually active and do not experience SD. Nicolosi et al., however, demonstrated that 21% of women and 53% of men between 70 and 80 years had sexual intercourse within the year prior to study entry (Nicolosi et al. 2004). Moreover, evidence suggests that ageing is an important risk factor for developing SD (Camacho and Reyes-Ortiz 2005). The undervaluation of SD in elderly patients, despite the high risk of SD in this group, may indicate that a large proportion of medical specialists is unaware of the important role sexuality plays in the life of elderly people. Broadening this perspective to a general level of knowledge about SD, the majority of the participating neurologists in our study stated that their expertise on SD is insufficient and confirmed that they need an additional training to extend their knowledge. Interestingly though, lack of knowledge was not considered an important barrier to discuss sexuality by most of the participants and the level of knowledge was not associated with the frequency in which sexuality is addressed during consultation visits. Similar results were found in a study that examined the discussion of sexuality in neurosurgical practices (Korse et al. 2016). Nonetheless, we recommend that neurologists optimize their knowledge on PD-related SD to provide the best care for their patients. As such, we advocate the implementation of an education course on SD in PD in the training programs of neurology residents. The inclusion of a chapter on SD in the Dutch PD guidelines, an initiative of the Dutch Neurology Society, is commendable (Bloem et al. 2010). However, we question whether the recommendations presented within this chapter are applicable to everyday practice. Unfortunately, our questionnaire did not contain questions on how well the neurologists maintain the guidelines.

A substantial proportion of participants reported insufficient time as a barrier for discussing sexuality. This was also a restricting factor for neurosurgeons, nephrologists, and surgical oncologists towards addressing SD with patients (Korse et al. 2016; Krouwel et al. 2015; van Ek et al. 2015). Nonetheless, the vast majority of neurologists considered themselves mainly responsible for discussing sexuality. As the broad spectrum of PD symptoms will not change and consultation time is limited, a time-efficient and pragmatic tool to assess the complete spectrum of PD symptoms may be useful. The Parkinson Monitor is an example of such a tool and allows patients to record both motor symptoms and NMS before they visit their neurologist. As a result, neurologists have the opportunity to focus on items that the patient indicates as most bothersome. In our study, neurologists who use the Parkinson Monitor were more likely to discuss sexuality. To avoid the time constraint that neurologists encounter, other caregivers, who are specialized in PD, especially the PD nurse, may be of assistance to enquire about SD in PD patients, and support them in managing their SD. Many participants felt PD nurses also responsible for discussing sexuality with PD patients. In contrast, only one-fifth of the participants stated that the discussion of sexuality is actually done by the nurse. These findings indicate a lack of clear agreements on responsibilities within neurological practices and emphasize the efforts that need to be made to improve this.

Many neurologists reported that the lack of patients’ initiative is another barrier for discussing sexuality and that patients are responsible for discussing SD as well. However, 90% of the participants stated that patients seldom report SD spontaneously. A previous study also showed that PD patients were unlikely to express sexual problems (Hand et al. 2010). The hesitation of both patients and neurologists to discuss sexuality is what may cause an ongoing circle of avoidance. Routine screening for SD, either by neurologists or other care providers, may break this vicious circle. In our study, SD was discussed more frequently when screening was considered an important issue, suggesting that the quality of the discussion on sexuality may improve by raising awareness on the importance of screening.

To improve the quality of sexual healthcare for PD patients, we need a clear picture of the extent of the problem of PD-related SD and the perspectives of other neurological care providers. These items need to be addressed in future studies. In addition, as the undervaluation of SD affects PD patients and their partners, new studies should also focus on their need for sexual counseling and how this could be implemented in current healthcare systems.

This study has a couple of limitations. First, the response rate of 66.9% may have caused non-response bias. A comparison between age and gender of respondents and non-respondents was not possible, because gender and age of non-respondents were unknown. To attain a higher response rate, reminders were sent to non-respondents after the initial sending. Nonetheless, the response rate of this study was above average compared to mean response rates in physician surveys (54%) (Asch et al. 1997). Second, bias may have occurred due to the self-reported character of the questionnaire, leading to a possible under- or overestimation of our results. To reduce this bias, anonymous questionnaires were provided. Third, a non-validated questionnaire was used. A validated questionnaire on the topic of PD-related SD does not exist as far as we know. However, the questionnaire was based on surveys used in similar studies amongst other healthcare providers (Korse et al. 2016; Krouwel et al. 2015; Nicolai et al. 2013; van Ek et al. 2015).

The majority of Dutch neurologists specializing in PD do not discuss sexuality routinely with their PD patients. Reasons for this undervaluation are ambiguous, although patients’ advanced age and insufficient time during consultation are reported as important factors. Assessment tools, such as Parkinson Monitor, may overcome the barrier of time constraint. Sexual healthcare will likely benefit from clearer agreements on responsibilities between neurologists and other care providers. Although the impact of knowledge of SD on discussing sexuality in PD care remains unclear, we advocate the implementation of this topic in the neurology residency training. The inclusion of a chapter on SD in the current Dutch PD guidelines is praiseworthy, but in our opinion needs to be adapted to fit everyday practice. To enhance sexual healthcare in PD, we welcome studies that focus on perspectives of other PD care providers and PD patients.