“What’s your secret?” I’m often asked this question because I am defying the odds — a person living with Parkinson’s disease for 18 years with mild symptoms. I strive to live a healthy life, exercise daily, eat and sleep well, but honestly, many of my friends in the Parkinson’s community are much more disciplined than I am.
So what is my secret? I do not have one, although I do have a theory — that an active sex life contributes to a slow progression of the disease. This may seem far-fetched, but here are some facts to back up my statement.
The Research on Sex and Parkinson’s
The idea that sex is good for our health is not new. Various scientific studies along with anecdotal evidence validate the positive side effects of sex. A study conducted by Dr. Yvonne K. Fulbright, a sexual health expert and professor at American University, concluded that sex enhances the immune system and that sexually active people take fewer sick days. New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz described sex as “a reliever of stress” that “has been tied to better sleep and even lowering some cancer risks.”
As it turns out, sex and Parkinson’s disease have something in common: dopamine. Dopamine, sometimes described as the “feel-good chemical released in the brain,” is a chemical neurotransmitter involved with many important functions in the body such as movement and emotional response.
Parkinson’s disease results from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The more dopamine we lose, the more debilitating the symptoms become. In 1970, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug called levodopa, also known as sinemet or carbo-levodopa, which increases dopamine in the brain. The drug revolutionized the treatment of Parkinson disease and, although not a cure, it has enabled people to live more independently.
Now back to sex. It just so happens that dopamine is involved with the pleasure centers in our brain. In her book “Parkinson’s Diva,” Dr. Maria L. DeLeon writes: “When we achieve orgasms … a large quantity of dopamine is released from our brains — the one essential chemical we Parkinson’s individuals lack.”
What if we could put the natural dopamine — depleted due to Parkinson’s disease but still there — to work? Could orgasms help defeat the advance of the disease?
Experts on Sex and Parkinson’s
I consulted with Dr. Lucy L. Brown, a professor and neuroscientist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Since Brown is considered a world-renowned expert on the connection between romantic love and the brain, I hoped she could help answer the question, “Can orgasms help to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Here’s what she said:
“Some of the dopamine released during orgasm (we assume this happens) might leak around to other parts of the brain, and a person with a mild case of PD might get some relief. There might be a different reason, too. A brain scan of a woman having an orgasm shows the whole brain “lights up.” All this activation throughout the cortex and amygdala and accumbens and other areas may “wake up” the basal ganglia. Sensory stimuli can get people with PD going, and the sensory cortex is especially active during orgasm. It doesn’t really matter what the reason is. If it helps anyone, it is worth trying for everyone!”
Living with Parkinson’s Disease
The physical symptoms of Parkinson’s — rigidity, tremors, loss of balance — affect relationships and can interfere with intimacy. It is easy to lose confidence when the disease is ever-present. We become defined by the disease, and our partners, significant others, lovers and spouses are referred to as “care-givers.”
It can be challenging to feel sexy when plagued by symptoms. Often the first sign of Parkinson’s is facial masking, which robs us of our smiles. Try flirting without being able to smile.
Parkinson’s is also a communication disorder. It causes changes in speech, such as loss of volume and difficulty projecting. It takes a great deal of effort to carry on a conversation in a social situation, especially in a noisy setting such as a restaurant. It often feels easier to give up. This can result in low self-esteem, apathy and depression.
What does this have to do with sex? Everything! Whereas Parkinson’s is an isolator, sex is a connecter. It’s a way of celebrating our bodies and defining ourselves apart from the disease.
The Test
I decided to test my theory on a rather small study group — in fact, just me. I simply paid attention to my symptoms on days when I had sex that morning or the night before. It would be impossible to isolate just the effects of dopamine but here are my unscientific findings:
- I felt healthy and strong.
- My Parkinson’s symptoms seemed less apparent.
- I was less anxious and slept better.
- I felt confident, positive and sexy.
Reflections
This “study” was a way of opening up an aspect of living with Parkinson’s disease that is rarely discussed. The relationship between dopamine and orgasm merits further research and will gain attention if we start the conversation. Our health-care providers are there to support us, but it is up to us in the Parkinson’s community to communicate our needs.
In my experience, many people living with Parkinson’s disease feel maxed out on pills. Over time our prescriptions may increase in both quantity and price. More medication and higher doses can lead to side effects such as dyskinesia (involuntary movements) and sleep disorders. Why not consider a natural remedy that is literally at our finger tips?
If you have trouble achieving orgasms, here’s an option: go to amazon.com, search health/personal care and you will find an array of massagers that, with or without a partner, will help you tap into this natural remedy for fighting Parkinson’s. Orders arrive in a discreet package.
So let’s ponder the original question, “Could orgasms help defeat the advance of Parkinson’s disease?” I found an answer in the lyrics of a 1980’s pop song by the great Marvin Gaye.
Sexual healing is good for me
Makes me feel so fine, it’s such a rush
Helps to relieve the mind,
And it’s good for us.
