#EpilepsyAwareness: Common questions about epilepsy and intimacy answered

The desire for sex varies widely in the general population and in people with epilepsy? (Shutterstock)

Sexual relationships are a normal part of healthy living. Three things lead to sexual activity: first there is desire - wanting to have sex with a partner. When that feeling is strong, there is arousal - the physical feeling that you "need" to have sex. Finally, there is orgasm - the height of physical pleasure during intimacy. These processes depend on many reflexes coordinated by the nervous system, and involve hormones, nerves, and blood vessels.

Epilepsy can have effect on sex, and sex has effect on epilepsy. Many people with well controlled epilepsy have comfortable and satisfying sex lives. Having a supportive partner who provides emotional support, as well as sexual intimacy, is perhaps the greatest asset in helping people with epilepsy feel positive about themselves In turn, this helps them improve their control of seizures. Anxiety and stress are seizure triggers. Sex can relieve stress, and help one relax, thereby reducing seizure frequency.