Impact and insights on sexual activities and epilepsy: Overview, effects, and additional information
In the realm of health and wellness, it's essential to address concerns that may affect a person's quality of life. One such area is the impact of epilepsy on sexual function, a topic that is often shrouded in misconceptions. This article aims to shed light on the complex interplay between epilepsy, medications, hormones, and brain changes, and how they can influence sexual health.
Firstly, it's important to note that certain medications used to control seizures, known as antiseizure medications (ASMs), can significantly impact sex hormone levels and sexual function. For instance, lamotrigine can decrease progesterone levels, a hormone crucial for sexual health, while zonisamide has been reported to cause loss of sexual ability, desire, or performance [1][5].
Hormonal fluctuations also play a significant role. Sex steroid hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect neuronal excitability in the brain. These hormonal shifts, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can impact seizure frequency and sexual function [1]. Moreover, hormones influence the metabolism of ASMs, modulating their effectiveness and side effects related to sexual function.
Epilepsy itself can cause alterations in brain function and structure that can affect sexual desire and response. Although specific physical brain changes were not detailed in the sources, epilepsy-related neurological changes combined with ASM effects and hormonal fluctuations contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Contrary to some concerns, masturbation does not typically cause seizures unless it is a personal trigger for individuals. In fact, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, few people with epilepsy report having a seizure during sex [2].
It's crucial to remember that not all seizures require medical attention. However, if a person has not had a seizure before, has a health condition such as diabetes, is pregnant, the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, the person sustains an injury during a seizure, the seizure happens in water, another seizure happens soon after the first, the person has difficulty walking or breathing after the seizure, then 911 should be called [3]. In rare cases, orgasm may trigger seizures in people with reflex epilepsy [4].
Addressing these issues often requires personalized medical management, considering medication types, hormone status, and brain changes related to epilepsy [1][5]. To help manage stress, a known trigger for seizures in some people with epilepsy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may be beneficial [6].
For those who may find it difficult to discuss their concerns around epilepsy and sex, seeking the help of a counselor or therapist can be beneficial [7]. Knowing seizure first aid can also be helpful, especially for partners of people with epilepsy [8].
In conclusion, while epilepsy can have an impact on sexual function, it's important to remember that sex can help reduce anxiety and depression and may have a protective effect against mood disorders and relationship issues [9]. By understanding the intricacies of this relationship, people with epilepsy can take proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy sexual life and overall well-being.
References: [1] Epilepsy.com. (2021). Sexual Dysfunction and Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/living-epilepsy/sexual-dysfunction-and-epilepsy [2] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Sexuality and Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/living-epilepsy/sexuality-and-epilepsy [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). First Aid for Seizures. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/in-depth/first-aid/art-20048291 [4] Epilepsy Action. (2021). Sex and epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/living-with-epilepsy/managing-your-epilepsy/sex-and-epilepsy [5] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Medications and Sexual Function. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/living-epilepsy/medications-and-sexual-function [6] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/living-epilepsy/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt [7] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Counseling. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/living-epilepsy/counseling [8] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Seizure First Aid. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/first-aid-and-safety/seizure-first-aid [9] Epilepsy Foundation. (2021). Stress and Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/living-epilepsy/stress-and-epilepsy [10] National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. (n.d.). Find a Therapist. Retrieved from https://www.nacbt.org/find-a-therapist/
- In the health-and-wellness domain, epilepsy medication can impact sexual health by affecting sex hormone levels and sexual function, such as lamotrigine's ability to decrease progesterone levels or zonisamide causing loss of sexual ability or performance.
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, can affect both seizure frequency and sexual function in individuals with epilepsy, due to the influence of sex steroid hormones like estrogen and progesterone on neuronal excitability in the brain.
- Epilepsy itself can also cause alterations in brain function and structure that impact sexual desire and response, further contributing to sexual dysfunction in individuals.
- Despite concerns, masturbation does not typically cause seizures, and sex may help reduce anxiety and depression while providing a protective effect against mood disorders and relationship issues for people with epilepsy.
