Sex & you

Sex & you

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Epilepsy and sexuality

Numerous studies have confirmed the link between seizures and the time of first menstruation also known as menarche. So, how does epilepsy affect the menstrual cycle?

There are many studies that suggest that the emergence of epileptic seizures in the time of the first menstruation. In some studies, it was determined that women suffering from epilepsy usually have anovulation periods, polycystic eggs, irregular menstrual periods or even absence of menstruation.
Does the menstruation cycle affect epilepsy?

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Polycystic ovaries are related to hyperandrogenism which means increased levels of male hormones. This occurrence is accompanied by increased hairiness, anovulatory or irregular cycle and obesity. According to some statistics between 5 and 20% of women have such characteristics. If these women are not treated and not taking antiepileptic drugs, the clinical picture of epilepsy may worsen. There is a special type of epilepsy that occurs in the pre-menstrual period and this epilepsy is called catamenial epilepsy. It is believed that is related to increased levels of estrogen (well-known female hormone) in the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle. There are certain studies that have shown that women with epilepsy experience some changes in the EEG during menstruation and more frequent episodes of seizures in the times of high levels of estrogen in the pre-ovulatory period in the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle. It was noted that the use of progesterone decreases the number of epileptic seizures and that it is very important to balance the levels of estrogen and progestoren well in order to reduce these seizures. In the normal menstrual cycle, when progesterone concentration reaches its highest level, there is no chance of epileptic seizures. Now let’s see how epilepsy affects sexuality and sexual life in women.

What is most important is to have a partner that understands the situation. Sexuality is the most elemental part of human beings with which we are all born and die and it is expressed in different ways appropriate to the period of life. People have always used their sexuality for their own reproduction and in some cases people have struggled to suppress their sexuality while some of them have exploited their sexuality. Since sexuality is an integral part of all humans, sexologists say that people must dream and fantasize about it when they cannot express or apply it. Every human being, be it healthy or sick or with certain disabilities has need to express their sexuality. Since we all know that epilepsy affects the psychosomatic nature of humans, it is true that epilepsy in some way shapes the sexuality of men and women.



We must highlight the fact that most women with epilepsy have completely normal sexual needs and desires. If a woman goes for medical examinations on a regular basis and if they are taking medications for epilepsy and use adequate contraception, then it is not necessary to deny or repress their sexuality. The only thing they need to do is to adjust their sexual behavior to their own capabilities.