{"id":10958,"date":"2022-05-01T18:13:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-01T18:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/?p=10958"},"modified":"2023-06-14T13:43:28","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T13:43:28","slug":"parkinsons-and-male-fertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/parkinsons-and-male-fertility\/","title":{"rendered":"Parkinson\u2019s disease and male fertility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s disease is most likely to occur in people over age 60, but it can sometimes develop in younger individuals, who may still be looking to grow their family. Besides gradually impairing your movement, the disease may also impact your fertility. Read on to learn more about the potential effects of Parkinson\u2019s disease on fertility as well as your options for conceiving a child if you\u2019re living with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parkinson\u2019s disease is a progressive nerve disorder that causes difficulty with movement and may affect sexual function and fertility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parkinson\u2019s patients who are interested in having a biological child have several options, including sperm retrieval from the testes along with IVF.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Parkinson\u2019s disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes difficulties with movement. It\u2019s the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niehs.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/conditions\/parkinson\/index.cfm\">most common<\/a> neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer\u2019s disease, affecting around 1 million people in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The condition causes trembling, slow movements, and difficulties with balance and walking. It may also affect sexual function and fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s disease is associated with the loss of nerve cells, or neurons, in the part of the brain responsible for movement. The reduction in the number of these cells lowers the production of dopamine, a chemical in your brain that plays a role in coordinating your movements (among other important roles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disease progresses slowly alongside the decline in these neurons. It typically takes the loss of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niehs.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/conditions\/parkinson\/index.cfm\">half or more<\/a> of these neurons for symptoms to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s begin slowly, and may be different in each person. Symptoms may start on one side of the body before eventually being seen on both sides, though one side may remain more severely impacted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>stiff muscles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>slow movements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>trembling in the hands, legs, or head<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loss of balance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other symptoms may appear either before the disease or as the disease progresses, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>trouble walking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>poor grip strength<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty speaking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>memory problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loss of smell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>erectile dysfunction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty chewing and swallowing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>insomnia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While treatments like medication and surgery may help with symptoms, there\u2019s no cure for the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Causes of Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, the causes of Parkinson\u2019s disease are not fully understood. It\u2019s possible that genetic and environmental factors, particularly exposure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/air-pollution-and-male-fertility\/\">pollution<\/a> and other toxins, contribute to the decline in nerve cells that is linked to the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exposure to toxins in the environment may also cause the buildup of proteins called \u201calpha-synucleins,\u201d which can harm the neurons that control movement and sleep. The accumulation of these proteins can be seen in many people with Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risk factors for Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People usually develop Parkinson\u2019s disease around age 60. In most cases, the disease does not appear to be passed down through families, instead seeming to occur at random.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/parkinsons-disease\">5\u201310%<\/a> of people start to develop the disease before age 50. In these cases, Parkinson\u2019s could be an inherited condition, linked to genetic mutations. There\u2019s a family history of the disease in around <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/genetics\/condition\/parkinson-disease\/\">15%<\/a> of people with Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s affects male patients at a rate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/parkinsons-disease\">50%<\/a> higher than female patients. Other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niehs.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/conditions\/parkinson\/index.cfm\">risk factors<\/a> for the disease include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/air-pollution-and-male-fertility\/\">air pollution<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>head injuries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>vitamin D deficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27751556\/\">research<\/a> suggests that regular exercise may help prevent Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s can be challenging to diagnose, since there\u2019s currently no way to test for it. People sometimes attribute their initial symptoms to normal aging, making the disease more difficult to spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in the early stages of the disease, your symptoms may need to be more pronounced before your doctor can diagnose the condition. Still, it\u2019s important to correctly identify the disease so you can receive the proper treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will use a physical exam and your medical history to diagnose the disease. Another indicator of Parkinson\u2019s disease is seeing improvements in your symptoms after using levodopa, a medication that helps replace dopamine in the brain. Brain scans can also sometimes help your doctor determine if a different condition is causing your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treatments for Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While Parkinson\u2019s disease is not curable, medication and therapy can help patients manage their symptoms. Parkinson\u2019s patients may be prescribed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The aforementioned medication <strong>levodopa<\/strong> (also known as L-dopa), sometimes along with a medication called <strong>carbidopa<\/strong>. Levodopa converts to dopamine in the brain, and carbidopa helps prevent levodopa from being broken down too early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Testosterone replacement therapy<\/strong> (TRT). People with Parkinson\u2019s are more likely to be deficient in testosterone, and TRT <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16410216\/\">may help improve<\/a> both the physical and mental health symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Physical, occupational, and speech therapy<\/strong>, which can help patients improve their motor skills, ability to walk, and ability to talk. These may be paired with lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and diet, to optimize health for people with Parkinson\u2019s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deep brain stimulation<\/strong>, a surgical option that involves implanting tiny electrodes into the brain to stimulate dopamine production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does Parkinson\u2019s disease affect male fertility?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s impacts a range of physical capacities, possibly including fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parkinson\u2019s often affects sexual function. One small <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/14742099\/\">study<\/a> of 32 men with the disease found that 68.4% experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/erectile-dysfunction-and-male-fertility\/\">erectile dysfunction<\/a> and 39.5% had trouble reaching orgasm. This may be compounded by the fact that people with Parkinson\u2019s are more likely to have <a href=\"http:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/low-testosterone-trying-to-conceive\/\">low testosterone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People with Parkinson\u2019s can also experience <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/retrograde-ejaculation\/\">retrograde ejaculation<\/a>, a condition in which bladder muscle problems allow semen to flow back into the bladder instead of being ejaculated out of the penis. These issues can make it difficult to conceive naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t know much about the sperm health of people with Parkinson\u2019s. Parkinson\u2019s is associated with a lower level of dopamine in the brian. We know that dopamine can be found in semen, and that there are dopamine receptors in the testes and in sperm. Some preliminary <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19074002\/]\">animal research<\/a> has suggested that dopamine may play a role in sperm production and sperm motility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, we need more research to illuminate whether the lower dopamine produced by the brains of Parkinson\u2019s patients may affect fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The genetics of Parkinson\u2019s: crossover with male infertility?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Several proteins involved in Parkinson\u2019s may also affect male fertility. Over <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/genetics\/gene\/park7\">25 mutations<\/a> in the PARK7 gene are linked to Parkinson\u2019s disease. This same gene also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8509420\/\">appears<\/a> to be involved both in sperm production and fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The PARK7 gene is responsible for the protein DJ-1, which is found in the brain and other organs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jbc.org\/article\/S0021-9258(20)84184-2\/fulltext\">Research<\/a> suggests that a mutation in DJ-1 may help cause Parkinson\u2019s disease. DJ-1 is also involved in the testes and with sperm production. Therefore, it\u2019s plausible that changes to the protein may impact fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, more research is needed in this area. Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/is-male-infertility-genetic\/\">genetic causes for male infertility<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Parkinson\u2019s disease treatment may affect fertility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some data suggests that treatment with levodopa <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/1300580\">may<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3229252\/\">potentially<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/9796623\/\">improve<\/a> symptoms of erectile dysfunction, and make it more possible for people with Parkinson\u2019s to have sex and reach orgasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Could L-dopa or mucuna pruriens improve male fertility?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Research around levodopa\u2019s possible impact on fertility is limited and inconclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some manufacturers have started marketing mucuna pruriens or \u201cvelvet bean\u201d supplements, which contain high natural levels of l-dopa, as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/male-fertility-supplements\/\">male fertility supplement<\/a>. However, there are very limited trials to suggest this is an effective treatment for male-factor infertility, and no trials looking specifically at how it might work for men with Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">TRT\u2019s impact on fertility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike other medications, the impact of testosterone replacement therapy on sperm health is fairly clear. Adding exogenous, or outside, testosterone can alter the delicate balance of fertility hormones in a person\u2019s body. TRT can significantly decrease sperm production or even halt it altogether, temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a person with Parkinson\u2019s disease wants children and plans to use TRT, it\u2019s highly recommended that they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/sperm-freezing\/\">freeze their sperm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/testosterone-replacement-therapy-guide\/\">testosterone replacement therapy<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parkinson\u2019s disease and conceiving a child<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s still a lot to learn about the effects of Parkinson\u2019s disease on fertility. Depending on your symptoms and response to treatment, if you have Parkinson\u2019s, you may still be able to conceive a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medications like apomorphine (Apokyn) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1353802005000817\">pergolide<\/a> (Permax) can be used to treat erectile dysfunction, potentially restoring your ability to conceive naturally. As mentioned above, levodopa may also improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also possible to obtain sperm directly from the testicles using surgical techniques, called \u201csperm retrieval.\u201d This side steps issues like erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sperm retrieval options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), which involves using a needle with a syringe to extract sperm from the epididymis, the coiled tube behind each testicle where sperm matures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), in which a small needle connected to a syringe is used to draw sperm cells and tissue from the testicle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Testicular sperm extraction (TESE), where a surgeon cuts the scrotum to take tissue and sperm from the testicle. This is a more invasive process, but may <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.2164\/jandrol.05055\">yield more sperm<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cost, recovery times, and success rates may vary with each technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using in vitro fertilization with ICSI (a technique in which a single sperm is injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization), retrieved sperm can be combined with an egg to create an embryo. Then, doctors can transfer the embryo to your partner\u2019s uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While these methods can help conceive a pregnancy that may otherwise not be possible, know that they\u2019re not guaranteed to result in a child. Age plays a large role in the success of IVF. Women under age 35 have around a <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/007279.htm\">47.8%<\/a> chance of giving birth to a live baby after IVF, while women aged 41\u201342 have just a 13.5% chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sperm freezing after a diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s, but you\u2019re not yet ready to have kids, you may want to consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/sperm-freezing\/\">freezing your sperm<\/a> to preserve your fertility for the future. This allows you to have a \u201cbackup\u201d in case it\u2019s difficult, later on, to ejaculate or conceive naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read on to learn more about the potential effects of Parkinson\u2019s disease on fertility as well as your options for conceiving a child if you\u2019re living with the condition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":10960,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%% %%sep%% %%sitetitle%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn more about the potential effects of Parkinson\u2019s disease on male fertility as well as your options for conceiving a child if you\u2019re living with the condition.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[61,18,125,210],"tags":[128,124,323,329],"class_list":["post-10958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-infertility","category-improving-sperm-health","category-medical-infertility","category-medical","tag-erectile-dysfunction","tag-illness","tag-mens-health","tag-parkinsons-disease"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10958"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10958"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10958\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17543,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10958\/revisions\/17543"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10960"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}