how and when they can share with their partner how it feels to have a
chronic illness and how it has affected them psychologically and
physically.
Jacobs et al. (2000) stated that physicians should consider
psychological
rather than somatic interventions especially in younger patients
with PD
who are dissatisfied with their sexual life.
Health care professionals can assist individuals with PD to develop
and sustain
the intimate relationships they desire. This can be achieved through
active
assessment of health concerns and conditions that affect sexual
functioning
and by teaching howto cope with these conditions. Refining of a more
loving
relationship includes encouragement of intimacy, sensuality,
companionship,
and friendship. Continued expansion of knowledge and understanding
about
the effects of one's health conditions, medications, and treatment
on sexuality
and functioning is necessary to maintain sexual health (Szwabo 2003).
In providing this support, we can help our patients understand their
own
abilities and disabilities brought on by their illness, allowing
them to adjust
accordingly (Wilson 1995). Talking about sexuality and intimacy will
enable
patients and their partners to go through a learning process, to
adapt to an
ongoing illness, and to adjust to body changes and altered sensory
patterns
and fatigue (Table 4).
Conclusion: Sexual intimacy is an important aspect of QoL and human
relationships affected byPD. Health care professionals should
include discussions
about sexuality and intimacy routinely as part of the interaction
with families
with Parkinson. Every person with Parkinson should be given the
opportunity
to explore these issues. Families with Parkinson should be
encouraged to raise
important sexual issues with the health care professionals and have
these
discussions serve as a driving force for increased attention and
improved
treatment of sexual dysfunction. The combined effort of the health
care
providers and the families with Parkinson can give sexual
dysfunction in PD
an appropriate place, mainly center stage with other symptoms.