Sexual Dysfunction in Individuals with Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease in Ethiopia: Gender Differences and Correlation with Anti-Parkinson’s Medication, Stigma, and Distress

TL;DR

This study explores sexual dysfunction in early-onset Parkinson’s disease in Ethiopia, finding it affects half of patients and is linked to medication, stigma, and mental health.

Contribution

The study is the first to investigate gender-specific correlates of sexual dysfunction in early-onset Parkinson’s disease in a developing country context.

Findings

Half of participants with early-onset Parkinson’s disease reported sexual dysfunction.

In men, sexual dysfunction correlated with higher levodopa doses.

In women, sexual dysfunction was strongly linked to stigma, depression, and anxiety.

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) affects up to two-thirds of individuals with early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet it remains underexplored in developing countries where stigma, depression, and treatment side effects may worsen its burden. This study investigated the magnitude and correlation of SD in early-onset PD. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 74 individuals with PD onset at ≤55 years of age. SD was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Sexual Functioning Scale, alongside interviews on sexual experiences after initiating PD medication. Prevalence was estimated descriptively, and Spearman’s correlation identified correlates of SD. Results: Half of participants reported SD, including lack of sexual interest (52.7%), difficulty relaxing or enjoying sex (52.7%), and impaired arousal (50%). Among men, 48% experienced erectile problems, while 44% of women reported difficulty achieving orgasm. After starting anti-Parkinson’s medication, 16% noted markedly reduced sexual desire, whereas nearly 10% reported increased desire. In men, SD correlated with levodopa dose (r = 0.411, p < 0.01). In women, SD correlated with stigma (r = 0.389, p < 0.05), depression (r = 0.529, p < 0.01), and anxiety (r = 0.629, p < 0.01). Conclusions: One in two individuals with early-onset PD experiences SD, independent of gender. Findings highlight the need for routine sexual health assessment and careful monitoring of treatment side effects. Interventions targeting stigma, depression, and anxiety are critical to improve sexual well-being in this population.

Figures