Sexual behaviour in a centre for epilepsy

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Abstract
The sexual behavior and hormonal profiles in 97 patients with chronic epilepsy from an epilepsy center were studied. Sexual behavior relating to numbers of sexual contacts, orgasms, spontaneous erections and early morning erections, whether there was difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an erection, or in ejaculation, was assessed at interview. Hormonal profiles consisted of LH [luteinizing hormone] FSH, prolactin, total testosterone, free testosterone and SHBG [sex hormone binding globulin]. Information was obtained relating to type of seizure, seizure frequency, age of onset, likely pathology, IQ and medication. This patient group was profoundly hyposexual and had a high level of sexual dysfunction. Serum free testosterone levels were low. The high level of sexual dysfunction and lack of sexual interest may well have a hormonal basis. The reasons for this are discussed.