Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of epilepsy. But you can do plenty to reduce your ED symptoms while also managing epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a condition that affects your brain and nervous system, with well-known symptoms including seizures that can be disruptive and frightening.
One of the most common side effects of epilepsy in people assigned male at birth is ED — having difficulty getting or keeping an erection during sexual arousal.
Managing epilepsy can also help you manage your ED symptoms through medication and lifestyle changes.
Read on to learn more about how epilepsy affects sexual function, whether epilepsy medications can also affect sexual function, and how you can manage ED if you have epilepsy.
Sexual dysfunction, including ED, appears to be common in people with epilepsy. But the exact reason for the link between epilepsy and ED isn’t clear.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, some research suggests that the effect of epilepsy on hormones and the central nervous system (CNS) might also interfere with processes that typically lead to sexual arousal in people with penises.
Epilepsy may interfere with some processes that link your brain and limbic system — the part of your brain that controls your behavior and emotions. This can interrupt your brain’s response to arousal as it attempts to send signals to your penis to prepare for sexual activity.
Epilepsy symptoms like full-body seizures may also lead to psychological effects like anxiety or depression that may have a clear link to ED. Data in a
Some of the most common risk factors for ED with epilepsy include:
- trying to manage epilepsy symptoms without medications
- living with epilepsy for a long time
- experiencing frequent focal seizures that only affect part of your brain
- having a lot of seizures
- taking an enzyme-inducing antiseizure medication
- receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from a doctor
Epilepsy medications might
A 2020 review linked CNS medications like benzodiazepines to sexual dysfunction when prescribed to treat epilepsy. These medications can cause low libido and intrusive sexual thoughts in people with epilepsy.
Many older adults with epilepsy also
Managing your epilepsy through medications and lifestyle changes is the most effective way to manage ED when you have epilepsy.
If you’re managing your epilepsy symptoms but still find that ED symptoms interfere with your daily activities, you can ask a doctor about medications like sildenafil (Viagra).
Consider these lifestyle changes to prevent and manage ED:
- Get treatment for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a moderate weight.
- Eat a balanced diet and minimize ultra-processed foods.
- Manage your daily stress.
- Prioritize getting enough sleep regularly.
- Contact a therapist for symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- Quit smoking if you smoke.
- Reduce your alcohol intake.
When to contact a doctor
Contact a doctor if your epilepsy or ED symptoms interfere with your daily activities or affect your ability to have the sex life that you want.
Talk with a doctor about medications you take so they can be aware of potential interactions.
Get immediate medical help if you have the following symptoms, especially if you take medications for epilepsy or ED:
- injuries by falling or running into something during seizures
- seizures that occur while driving or operating heavy machinery
- anxiety or depression symptoms, especially thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- changes in your attention, focus, or ability to think
- experiences choking on food or saliva during seizures
Can you take Viagra or Cialis if you have epilepsy?
No evidence suggests that risks exist in taking sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) if you have epilepsy.
Still, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor before taking these medications if you have epilepsy or take other medications.
Does epilepsy affect testosterone?
A link may exist between epilepsy and low testosterone. A
Does epilepsy affect sperm?
No research suggests that people with epilepsy assigned male at birth are more likely to have atypical sperm characteristics, such as low sperm count, than people without epilepsy.
But taking certain epilepsy medications, such as
People with epilepsy may be more likely to experience sexual dysfunction symptoms than people without epilepsy. One potential symptom in people with penises is ED.
Managing epilepsy through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular treatments can often help you manage ED symptoms. When additional treatments are necessary, common ED medications like Viagara with lifestyle changes and mental health strategies may help.