Parkinson’s Disease
Q: I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014. No matter what I have tried I can’t get my dick to work all the time even with pills. Am I missing something?, or is this what I got to look forward to? All I get from my doctors is “get used to it”. I’m only 50 years old!
A: Unfortunately, men with Parkinson’s Disease often experience erectile dysfunction (in fact, 50% of men with PD have trouble maintaining an erection). However, the cause of ED may be a bit more complex as it can also include psychological causes. Other things your doctor should look for is whether you have poor circulation to your genitals, other vascular issues, prostate issues, other medical conditions, and depression. All these things can impact your ability to get an erection. According to Management of sexual dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease – PMC (nih.gov), the best treatment approach is:
“Sildenafil is an effective treatment for ED in men with several neurological disorders…. Its efficacy in PD patients with ED and depression was reported to be 85%…. These drugs augment the nitric-oxide-mediated relaxation pathway in penile tissues by increasing available cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the corpus cavernosum. These medications therefore do not cause erection, but enhance the response to sexual arousal. Thus, sildenafil keeps the response ‘natural’ and may thus advance partner intimacy and bonding. On the other hand, the man has to stay concentrated on sexual activity, or the erection will fade away.”
Something to remember is that ED drugs do not guarantee you a sustainable erection, because you still need to feel in the mood and to focus on the arousal. That’s why it’s important to evaluate what else is going on in your life (mental health, relationship, etc.).
Sperm Production
Q: I am 79 years old. I feel in great health. All my blood tests are perfect. I have no E.D. problems, as I have a flexible steel prosthesis in my penis for the past 18 years. But I stopped producing sperm. I take a load of blood pressure meds twice daily, including a Statin drug. An M.D told me some 15 years ago that if I took a Statin drug, I would have to forget about producing sperm. Is that correct or is there some help for me? Thank you
A: So at 79, are you trying to get someone pregnant? Is that the help you are looking for? Or are you concerned about the volume of your ejaculate? You would need the sperm to get someone pregnant. Let’s just say that’s the case, research shows that the use of statins do not make men infertile. However, if you are talking about volume, then yes, there is a link between statin use and lower volume.