[Webinar Recording] Sexuality and Intimacy for People with Parkinson’s and Their Care Partners

Intimacy and Parkinson's Davis Phinney Foundation

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Sheila Silver to talk about sexuality and intimacy for people with Parkinson's and their care partners.

Dr. Sheila Silver is a trained sex counselor, group facilitator, workshop leader, professional speaker, sex educator and board-certified clinical sexologist with a private practice in Portland, Oregon. 

She has given talks on Intimacy and Parkinson’s for Parkinson’s Foundation Caregiver Summit, UC San Diego Health and more. She recently spoke at the World Parkinson Congress on Sexuality & Intimacy for People with Parkinson's and Their Partners. And she’ll be speaking at the AdventHealth Parkinson’s Outreach in March 2020 on Enhancing Relationships and Intimacy with Parkinson’s.

I hope you'll find our very open and frank conversation useful, and it will inspire you to connect with yourself and your partner(s) in a new way. If it brings up any questions for you that weren't addressed, please feel free to email us at blog@dpf.org, and we'll share them with Dr. Silver.

Here are just a few of the questions we asked her:

  • What is a sexologist?
  • What are some facts about sexual dysfunction related to Parkinson’s?
  • Does having Parkinson’s increase the incidence of sexual problems?
  • What factors may contribute to sexual problems? Those related to Parkinson’s and not.
  • What are some of the most common Parkinson’s non-motor problems related to sexuality?
  • How do Parkinson’s treatments affect sexual functioning? What are the sexual side effects of Parkinson’s medications?
  • What sexual problems may affect men with Parkinson’s?
  • What sexual problems may affect women with Parkinson’s?
  • What are the most common sexual challenges for Parkinson’s care partners?
  • What are the consequences of sexual problems for Parkinson’s care partners?
  • As a care partner, what are some ways to reduce stress related to sexual problems?
  • How can I improve my relationship with my partner with Parkinson’s when sexual intimacy is not something they, I or both of us want? (and vice versa).
  • What are some ways other than sex to create physical intimacy?
  • And more!

More Sexuality and Intimacy and Parkinson's Resources

Intimacy and Parkinson’s Discussion Questions by Dr. Sheila Silver
Intimacy and Parkinson’s Heart Share List by Dr. Sheila Silver
Sexual Intelligence by Marty Klein
Naked At Our Age by Joan Price
The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability by Miriam Kaufman
Parkinson’s Diva by Maria De Leon
American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists

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