Brief: Risks of Sexual Dysfunction Exist in Women with Epilepsy

Posted: April 12, 2006

Some degree of sexual dysfunction exists in only 20 to 30 percent of women with epilepsy. Most women with the condition maintain normal reproductive cycles and sexual lives, according to a report by Cynthia Harden, M.D., chair of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater New York's professional advisory board.

The most commonly reported symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women with epilepsy include libido, arousal, orgasm and problems with seizure exacerbation. Some studies have also shown that psychosocial factors, such as depression, feeling stigmatized and being anxious about having seizures during sex, may contribute to the higher rates of sexual dysfunction. Some antiepileptic drugs have also shown to negatively impact reproductive cycling and sexual function.

Some patients who reported sexual dysfunction in addition to their refractory seizures, experienced improvement in sexual dysfunction following epilepsy surgery. This suggests that besides the possible effects of seizure medication on sexual dysfunction, the seizure activity itself in the brain may have an affect on sexual dysfunction.

Many treatment methods including hormonal therapy are being investigated to treat sexual dysfunction.

"Epilepsy can be more than just seizures," said Georgia D. Montouris, M.D., a member of the Epilepsy Foundation's professional advisory board. "Side effects from medications and disruptions in the brain chemistry can alter other systems, such as mood, sexual dysfunction, reproductive health and bone health, just to mention a few. Patients should discuss with their physician any side effects or dysfunction they experience and seek appropriate treatment."